ANATOMICAL AND FUNCTIONAL SUCCESS OF MACULAR EDEMA USING SUPRACHOROIDAL TRIAMCINOLONE ACETONIDE IN RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION

Abstract

Background and Objective: Retinal vein occlusion is one of the leading causes of vision loss due to macular edema. Current treatment strategies primarily rely on anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy and intravitreal corticosteroids. However, repeated injections and steroid related complications remain major concerns. Suprachoroidal delivery of triamcinolone acetonide is an emerging therapeutic approach that allows targeted drug delivery to the posterior segment while reducing anterior segment exposure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anatomical and functional success of suprachoroidal triamcinolone acetonide in patients with macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion. Materials and Methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore. Twenty-five eyes of twenty-five patients with macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion were included. Patients received suprachoroidal injection of triamcinolone acetonide and were followed for six months. Primary outcome measures included change in central macular thickness measured by optical coherence tomography and improvement in best corrected visual acuity. Secondary outcomes included changes in intraocular pressure and safety profile. Results: Mean baseline central macular thickness was 561 ± 90 µm which significantly decreased to 261 ± 58 µm at six months. Mean best corrected visual acuity improved from 0.83 ± 0.21 logMAR at baseline to 0.30 ± 0.16 logMAR at final follow up. A gain of three or more lines of vision was observed in the majority of eyes. Intraocular pressure remained stable during follow up with no significant elevation. No serious ocular complications were recorded. Conclusion: Suprachoroidal triamcinolone acetonide demonstrated significant anatomical and functional improvement in macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion with a favorable safety profile. The targeted delivery technique may reduce treatment burden and minimize steroid related complications.