Intravitreal triamcinolone for the management of macular edema due to nonischemic central retinal vein occlusion

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in the management of persistent macular edema secondary to nonischemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Methods: Twenty consecutive patients were selected with a 3- to 4-month history of nonischemic CRVO and persistent macular edema. These patients received a single intravitreal injection of 4 mg of triamcinolone acetonide (40 mg/mL). The follow-up period ranged from 10 to 12 months. The amount of macular edema was assessed by the amount of retinal thickening on clinical examination using the Goldmann contact lens and by the area and intensity of staining on fluorescein angiography. Treated patients were compared with a retrospectively matched group of patients who were managed with observation only. Main Outcome Measures: Changes in visual acuity and amount of macular edema were assessed in the treated patients and compared with the observation group. Results: The mean baseline visual acuity in the treatment group was 20/132 vs 20/123 for the observation group (P = .57). After I week, the treated group had a mean visual acuity of 20/51. At final follow-up, the treated group had a mean visual acuity of 20/37 while the observation group had a mean visual acuity of 20/110 (P = .001). Sixty percent of treated patients had a final visual acuity of 20/40 or better vs only 20% in the observation group (P = .01). Forty percent of the untreated patients had a final visual acuity worse than 20/200 while none of the treated patients did (P < .001). At final follow-up, 75% of treated patients had complete resolution of macular edema on clinical examination vs only 20% of the untreated patients (P < .001). Two of the treated patients had recurrence of macular edema at 6 months, and 3 had elevated intraocular pressure. Conclusion: This study shows a treatment benefit from intravitreal triamcinolone in terms of visual acuity and macular edema for nonischemic CRVO.