Efficacy of intravitreal dexamethasone implant for the treatment of macular oedema after pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: long-term outcomes

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal dexamethasone implant as initial and only treatment for macular oedema after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

Methods: This study included 14 patients, who were diagnosed with macular oedema after PPV for RRD and who were treated with intravitreal dexamethasone implant. Patients were examined at the time of macular oedema diagnosis (baseline) and 1, 6 and 12?months after treatment, using best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Results: The mean BCVA at baseline was 0.72?±?0.29 logMAR and improved significantly to 0.37?±?0.21, 0.42?±?0.19 and 0.35?±?0.22 logMAR at month 1, 6 and 12 after treatment with dexamethasone implant. The mean central retinal thickness (CRT) was 623?±?142?μm at baseline and decreased significantly to 339?±?163?μm, 428?±?131?μm and 356?±?147?μm at month 1, 6 and 12 after treatment. Total resolution of macular oedema was observed in 10 out of 14 patients (71.4%) at month 12. Ellipsoid zone was intact in 71.4% of patients at the end of the follow-up, while 71.4% of patients received only one implant until the end of the 12-month follow-up. No adverse events were observed.

Conclusions: Intravitreal dexamethasone implant was found to be effective and safe as initial treatment for macular oedema after PPV for RRD.     

治疗视网膜分支静脉阻塞性黄斑水肿的临床疗效观察

目的评价曲安奈德玻璃体腔内注射治疗分支静脉阻塞性黄斑水肿的疗效及并发症。方法26例患者诊为分支静脉阻塞性黄斑水肿的共计26只眼,每只眼接受注射曲安奈德4mg（4mg/0.1ml）,检查注射前、后的视力、眼底、眼压、荧光造影及OCT。结果平均随访时间为5个月（1～8个月）,平均视力：注射前0.1,注射后1d：0.29;3d：0.55;1m：0.64;3m：0.59.与治疗前相比,有显著性差异。平均黄斑厚度：注射前（931.60±312.37）μm,注射后：1周：（297.05±84.23）μm;1个月：（221.53±51.67）μm;3个月：（185.54±49.16）μm,与治疗前比较有显著性差异。术后高眼压的发生率为34.62%,经药物或ALT治疗,眼压均恢复正常水平。无一例发生眼内炎。结论眼内注射曲安奈德可明显的改善视力及减轻因分支静脉阻塞而导致的黄斑水肿,但其疗效并非持久,且存在一些并发症。     

激光光凝联合玻璃体腔注射曲安奈德治疗视网膜分支静脉阻塞黄斑水肿的临床疗效观察

目的 观察激光光凝联合玻璃体腔注射曲安奈德治疗视网膜分支静脉阻塞黄斑水肿的疗效和安全性.方法 据荧光素眼底血管造影(FFA)对20例(22眼)视网膜分支静脉阻塞(BRVO)患者行黄斑区格栅样光凝后玻璃体腔注射曲安奈德0.1ml/(4mg),随访9个月,观察并再行荧光素眼底血管造影检查;OCT检查(干涉光断层扫描仪检查)...     

玻璃体内注射Lucentis治疗视网膜分支静脉阻塞继发黄斑水肿的效果观察

目的评估玻璃体内注射雷珠单抗（Lucentis）治疗视网膜分支静脉阻塞继发黄斑水肿的效果。方法回顾性分析已确诊的视网膜分支静脉阻塞继发黄斑水肿患者31例,行玻璃体内注射Lucentis治疗,定期随访,观察术前及术后1个月的最佳矫正视力、黄斑中心区视网膜厚度（CMT）及并发症情况。结果患者术前、术后的视力及CMT比较,差异有统计学意义（P〈O．05）。结论玻璃体内注射Lucentis治疗视网膜分支静脉阻塞继发黄斑水肿,短期内安全有效。     

The effectiveness and reliability of posterior sub-Tenon triamcinolone acetonide injection in branch retinal vein occlusion-related macular edema

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness and reliability of posterior sub-Tenon triamcinolone acetonide (PSTA) application in branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO)-related macular edema.

Methods: Patients with confirmed BRVO-related macular edema were enrolled in the study. Patients were injected with a single, therapeutic dose of 40?mg PSTA. Detailed ophthalmic examination was performed at baseline and at 1, 3 and 6 months after the treatment. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), cataractogenic change (CC) and macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) analysis results were evaluated. The results were compared statistically.

Results: Forty-one eyes of 41 patients with a mean age of 63.49?±?10.99 (55–86) years, 15 (36.6%) females, were included in the study. BCVA in LogMAR values at 1 and 3 months were significantly better than at baseline, while no significant difference from baseline was observed in sixth month values (p?<?0.001, p?<?0.001 and p?=?0.846, respectively). Central macular thickness values obtained using OCT were significantly lower at the first, third and sixth months compared to baseline (p?<?0.001 for all). IOP elevation was determined in only two eyes (4.8%) at the end of the study period, and no CC was detected in any case.

Conclusion: PSTA application is an effective and safe option in BRVO-related macular edema.     

雷珠单抗对视网膜中央静脉阻塞继发黄斑水肿患者黄斑区视网膜血流参数的影响

目的 观察视网膜中央静脉阻塞(CRVO)继发黄斑水肿患者黄斑区视网膜血流参数以及观察雷珠单抗治疗前后黄斑区视网膜血流参数的变化。 方法 前瞻性对照研究。纳入2015年11月至2017年1月在襄阳市中心医院眼科就诊的CRVO继发黄斑水肿的患者33例为CRVO组,同时纳入健康人30例为对照组。所有CRVO继发黄斑水肿患者接受玻璃体腔内雷珠单抗注射治疗。用RTVue-100光学相干断层扫描血流成像技术3 mm×3 mm扫描模式测量研究对象黄斑区视网膜血管密度以及中央凹无血管区域(FAZ)面积。 结果 CRVO组的黄斑区视网膜浅层血管密度与深层血管密度分别为43.03%±5.11%以及47.00%±7.54%,对照组浅层以及深层视网膜血管密度分别为63.23%±5.50%以及61.43%±7.90%,两组之间均差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。CRVO组FAZ面积为(0.49±0.08) mm²,对照组为(0.28±0.07) mm²,CRVO组FAZ面积明显小于对照组,均差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。球内注射雷珠单抗后,CRVO组视网膜浅层与深层血管密度以及FAZ面积均未发生明显变化。 结论 相对于健康人,CRVO继发黄斑水肿的视网膜血管密度较低,FAZ面积偏大。CRVO继发黄斑水肿患者接受球内雷珠单抗治疗后,视网膜血管密度以及FAZ面积未见明显变化。     

糖尿病黄斑水肿应用玻璃体内注射雷珠单抗、曲安奈德的疗效分析

目的 比较玻璃体内注射雷珠单抗、曲安奈德在糖尿病黄斑水肿中的临床疗效.方法 收集本院2014年10月至2015年10月入院的80例糖尿病黄斑水肿患者,随机分为两组,雷珠单抗组患者给予雷珠单抗治疗,曲安奈德组患者给予曲安奈德治疗,比较两组患者治疗前后最佳矫正视力、RNV渗透面积、黄斑区中心视网膜厚度、眼压与并发症等.结果 雷珠单抗组患者BCVA为(0.556±0.155),显著高于曲安奈德组的(0.409±0.143);RNV渗透面积为(5.405±3.274),显著低于曲安奈德组的(8.332±4.058);雷珠单抗组患者CMT为(289.231±64.040) μm,显著低于曲安奈德组的(370.127±88.172)μm;雷珠单抗组患者治疗后眼压为(15.157±2.351) mmHg,显著低于曲安奈德组(17.264±3.197)mmHg;两组比较,t=4.4897、3.550、4.695、3.358,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).结论 玻璃体内注射雷珠单抗在糖尿病黄斑水肿中的临床疗效更为显著,安全性较高,具有借鉴性.     

玻璃体腔注射康柏西普治疗糖尿病性和视网膜静脉阻塞性黄斑水肿的疗效对比观察

目的：对比研究糖尿病和视网膜静脉阻塞继发黄斑水肿患者玻璃体腔注射康柏西普治疗临床疗效差异。方法：选取自2016年3月-2017年10月收入某院行玻璃体腔注射康柏西普治疗糖尿病性黄斑水肿者21例/30只眼,视网膜静脉阻塞性黄斑水肿者35例/35只眼。回顾性对比观察这2组患者治疗后1个月、3个月及末次随诊时者最佳矫正视力（BCVA）和中央黄斑区视网膜厚度（CMT）及其变化,以及治疗有效率、黄斑水肿复发率、治疗病程和注药次数等,采用方差分析的方法对这些指标进行组间和组内统计学比较。结果：比较康柏西普玻璃体腔内注射治疗后1个月、3个月及末次随访时与治疗前基线的BCVA差值（ΔBCVA）和CMT差值（ΔCMT）,静脉阻塞组均高于糖尿病组并具有显著性（P<0.05）。静脉阻塞组和糖尿病组治疗有效率分别为100%和86.7%,复发率为14.3%和20.0%;静脉阻塞组和糖尿病组的患者治疗病程分别为（4.40±1.90）个月和（5.72±3.03）个月,注药次数为（2.51±0.74）次和（3.07±1.34）次,均具有显著性（P<0.05）。所有患者治疗随访过程中未见明显与药物、玻璃体腔注射相关的眼部和全身不良事件的发生。结论：玻璃体腔内注射康柏西普治疗视网膜静脉阻塞性和糖尿病性黄斑水肿均有较好疗效,但静脉阻塞患者其黄斑水肿消退和视力提升更为显著和迅速,而糖尿病患者治疗病程更长,需要更多次（3次以上甚至更多次）注药才能控制黄斑水肿的病情。     

Intravitreal bevacizumab and dexamethasone implant for treatment of chronic diabetic macular edema

Objective: To evaluate anatomical and functional outcomes of intraviteal bevacizumab (IVB) in patients with chronic diabetic macular edema (DME), and the effectivity and safety of dexamethasone implant in those unresponsive to regular IVB treatment. Methods: Thirty-five eyes of 35 patients (16 male and 19 female) with chronic DME (central foveal thickness (CFT) >?275?μm, duration >?6 months) received three injections of 2.5?mg IVB with six-week intervals. At 18 weeks, dexamethasone implant was applied to patients unresponsive to IVB. Main outcomes were the change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), CFT and ocular and systemic adverse effects for both drugs. The patients responsive to IVB were followed up for 36 weeks and those patients receiving dexamethasone implant were followed up for 24 weeks postoperatively. Results: At 18 weeks, the mean BCVA (0.68?±?0.40 logMAR, p?=?0.45) and CFT (453?±?169?μm, p?=?0.58) did not show any significant change compared to baseline (0.74?±?0.42 logMAR and 521?±?151?μm, respectively). In 20 patients (%57.1) responsive to IVB, the CFT was significantly improved from 12 to 36 weeks with the mean value of 295?±?42 μ (p?=?0.01). However, no significant difference was observed for BCVA during this period (p?=?0.17). Dexamethasone was implanted in 15 eyes (42.8%) unresponsive to IVB at 18 weeks. Statistically significant improvements were observed in BCVA (at postoperative 4 and 12 weeks) and CFT (at postoperative 4, 12 and 24 weeks). In addition, both parameters significantly worsened at 24 weeks compared to 12 weeks (p?<?0.001 and p?=?0.01, respectively). Conclusions: Patients with chronic DME should be followed in accordance with a fixed treatment protocol combining anti-VEGF and steroid treatments.     

玻璃体内注射雷珠单抗与曲安奈德治疗视网膜静脉阻塞继发黄斑囊样水肿的疗效比较

目的：比较玻璃体内注射雷珠单抗与曲安奈德治疗视网膜静脉阻塞（ retinal vein occlusion ,RVO）继发黄斑囊样水肿（ cystoidmacular edema ,CME）的疗效及安全性。方法97例RVO继发CME患者按治疗方法分为雷珠单抗组（n＝47）和曲安奈德组（n＝50）。雷珠单抗组给予玻璃体内注射雷珠单抗0．5 mg（0．05 ml）;曲安奈德组给予玻璃体内注射雷珠单抗4．0 mg（0．1 ml）。治疗后随访6个月,比较2组最佳矫正视力（best corrected visual acuity,BC－VA）、黄斑中心凹厚度（ central macular thickness ,CMT）、眼压及并发症发生率。结果2组治疗后各时间点BCVA均较治疗前显著提高（P＜0．05）,但2组间比较差异无统计学意义（P＞0．05）。2组治疗后各时间点CMT均较治疗前显著降低（P＜0．05）,但2组间比较差异无统计学意义（P＞0．05）。雷珠单抗组治疗后各时间点眼压与治疗前比较差异无统计学意义（ P＞0．05）;曲安奈德组治疗后各时间点眼压均较治疗前和雷珠单抗组显著提高（ P＜0．05）。曲安奈德组和雷珠单抗组眼压升高发生率比较,差异有统计学意义（P＜0．05）。结论玻璃体内注射雷珠单抗治疗RVO继发CME,可有效提高BCVA、降低CMT,其效果与曲安奈德相当,且安全性更高。     

Influence of serous retinal detachment on the outcome of ranibizumab treatment in diabetic macular oedema

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of serous retinal detachment (SRD) on the outcome of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) therapy in diabetic macular oedema (DME).

Materials and methods: Fifty-one eyes with cystoid macular oedema (CME) and SRD (study group) and 57 eyes with only CME (control group) that received pro re nata (PRN) IVR injections during a 6-month period were retrospectively evaluated. The outcome measures included changes in the central macular thickness (CMT) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and injection numbers.

Results: The mean initial CMT in the study and control groups was 467?±?101 and 440?±?89?µm, respectively. The mean BCVA in the study and control groups was 0.75?±?0.38 and 0.59?±?0.36 logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (LogMAR), respectively (p?=?0.010). The study group received a mean of 2.2?±?0.92 injections, whereas the control group received a mean of 2.54?±?0.9 injections. The decrease in CMT was greater, but not significantly greater, in the study group than in the control group.

Conclusion: The presence of SRD resulted in a less favourable visual acuity (VA) outcome with IVR. Disruption of the ellipsoid zone and abnormality of the foveal avascular zone at the baseline examination were correlated with a lower VA. Both of the pathologies occurred more frequently in the SRD group.     

Pharmacotherapeutic management of macular edema in diabetic subjects undergoing cataract surgery

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Cataracts and diabetes are widespread pathologies that are of growing concern to the global population. In diabetic patients who have had cataract surgery, the worsening of preexisting diabetic macular edema or occurrence of pseudophakic cystoid macular edema are common causes of visual impairment even with the most advanced surgical techniques available today for phacoemulsification.

Areas covered: In this review, the authors assess the available literature to evaluate and compare different drugs, with the aim of establishing the best pharmacological strategies for the prevention and treatment of macular edema in diabetic patients undergoing cataract surgery.

Expert opinion: Guidelines for the optimal management of diabetic macular edema in conjunction with cataract surgery or treatment of pseudophakic cystoid macular edema in diabetic patients are still lacking. To treat these conditions, clinicians need to understand the pharmacokinetics, posology, and efficacy of available drugs: topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), and both topical and intravitreal steroids. Diabetic patients undergoing cataract surgery should receive topical NSAIDs to prevent pseudophakic cystoid macular edema. Intravitreal anti-VEGFs and steroids, in association with cataract surgery, are indicated for patients with preexisting diabetic macular edema or those at high risk of macular edema after surgery.     

曲安奈德治疗重度糖尿病黄斑水肿的临床观察

目的研究玻璃体腔内注射曲安奈德(TA)治疗重度糖尿病黄斑水肿的有效性。方法对36例(42眼)重度糖尿病黄斑水肿的患者,行玻璃体腔内注射TA(进口)(4mg/0.1ml)的治疗方法。观察治疗前后的四个指标:最佳矫正视力、眼压、眼底荧光血管造影(FFA)、OCT检测黄斑中心凹厚度。随访时间6～12个月(平均9个月)。结果本组病例36例(42眼),年龄45～70岁(平均57岁),FFA检查治疗前黄斑荧光渗漏明显,治疗后渗漏明显减轻;OCT检测黄斑中心凹厚度,治疗前平均(579.5±65)μm,治疗随访6个月后平均(279±78)μm,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);最佳矫正视力范围治疗前为0.01～0.2,平均0.1,治疗后为0.2～0.4,平均0.3,差异有统计学意义(P>0.05);所有患者眼压都有升高,升高值8.0～20.0mmHg(平均14.0mmHg),7例(7眼)超过正常眼压范围,经治疗,眼压控制,没有严重并发症发生。结论玻璃体腔注射TA是治疗重度糖尿病黄斑水肿的有效方法,患者的视力有轻度提高,治疗后患者FFA,黄斑区荧光素渗漏明显减轻,OCT检查,证实黄斑厚度明显减小。     

Comparative efficacy of bevacizumab,ranibizumab, and aflibercept for treatment of macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Introduction: Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy has become the most commonly used treatment for macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Although its superior efficacy as compared to other interventions has been proven, there is a lack of evidence for relative efficacy among anti-VEGF drugs.

Areas covered: This work systematically reviewed and compared the efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept for treating macular edema due to RVO. PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched from their inception until October 2017. Eleven randomized controlled trials (18 articles; 1830 adult patients) were identified. The proportion of patients who gained at least 15 letters in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), mean change from baseline in BCVA, and mean change from baseline in central macular thickness (CMT) were reported and these efficacy outcomes at 6 months were analyzed in network meta-analysis.

Expert commentary: Apparently, bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept were significantly superior to sham injection in terms of BCVA improvement and CMT reduction and had good safety profiles. However, there were no statistically significant differences in any outcomes among anti-VEGF drugs. In selecting an anti-VEGF drug for individual patients, other factors including affordability, drug availability, and patient characteristics should be considered.     

Toxicological considerations for intravitreal drugs

INTRODUCTION: Intravitreal injections are a very common procedure and are the most effective route of drug delivery to the retina. There are currently several drugs available and even more are in development; therefore, safety is a very important concern. AREAS COVERED: The toxicological considerations of the most common drugs used for intravitreal pharmacotherapy such as anti-VEGFs, corticosteroids and antibiotics. Emerging agents such as anti-TNFs, VEGF-trap and kinase inhibitors are also discussed. An assessment of the efficacy and safety issues of the most relevant drugs including bevacizumab, ranibizumab and triamcinolone is presented. EXPERT OPINION: The toxicology and safety profiles are available for several drugs that are either in use or will be available for intravitreal injections. Retinal pharmacotherapy is very effective for different retinal diseases; however safety is a very important issue when intravitreal injections are applied and the possibility of retinal toxicity should always be kept in mind. Bevacizumab and ranibizumab are effective for the therapy of wet-age-related macular degeneration and macular edema, while triamcinolone remains an alternative agent to treat secondary macular edema. It is important, as some of these drugs will be used for extended periods of time, that their long-term toxicological effects are better understood.     

曲安奈德玻璃体腔注射治疗视网膜分支静脉阻塞继发黄斑水肿

目的观察玻璃体腔曲安奈德注射(IVTA)治疗视网膜分支静脉阻塞(BRVO)继发的黄斑水肿的近期疗效和安全性。方法对22例(23眼)BRVO继发的严重黄斑水肿的患者,患眼IVTA4mg/1ml,观察治疗前和治疗后1d、3d、1周、1个月、3个月时视力、眼压、眼内炎症反应、晶体、眼底改变。结果 23眼中有20眼(86.9%)视力提高,3眼(13.1%)视力不变。logMAR视力治疗前为:0.75±0.48,治疗后1周、1个月、3个月时分别为:0.57±0.43;0.38±0.32;0.29±0.29。治疗前后比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论 IVTA可以在短时间内有效地治疗BRVO继发的黄斑水肿。     

Photodynamic therapy combined with intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide for choroidal neovascularization

The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) in the treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and pathological myopia. PDT combined with intravitreal injection of TA was performed on 16 eyes of 16 patients with CNV diagnosed by visual acuity, fluorescein fundus angiography (FFA) and optical coherent tomography (OCT), including 14 eyes secondary to age-related macular degeneration and two eyes secondary to pathological myopia. TA was injected intravitreally 72 h post PDT on 12 eyes and from three months to one year (mean nine months) post PDT on four eyes respectively. All the patients were followed up for 3 to 18 months (mean 18.6 months). Best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, retinal thickness and FFA were observed. The visual acuity was improved in seven eyes (43.8%) of all the 16 eyes and stable in nine eyes (56.2%), respectively. FFA revealed complete or partial closure of CNV in all patients. OCT showed that the macular edema disappeared or was alleviated. Transient intraocular pressure elevation occurred in one patient (6.25%) of all the 16 eyes and intraocular pressure returned to the normal after a transient treatment with antiglaucoma medication. The mean number of PDTs during the first year was 1.1. PDT combined with intravitreal injection of TA for CNV is safe and effective. It can reduce the risk of visual loss and the treatment frequency. __________ Translated from Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases, 2007, 23(1): 13–16 [译自: 中华眼底病杂志]     

Fluocinolone acetonide for the treatment of diabetic macular edema

Introduction: Fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant is a non-erodible implant approved for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) insufficiently responsive to available therapies.

Areas covered: The injectable intravitreal implant releases fluocinolone acetonide at an average rate of 0.2 µg/day for at least 36 months. The two pooled pivotal FAME trials showed that, in patients with DME previously treated with laser photocoagulation, fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant was more beneficial than sham injection when looking at the proportion of patients with an improvement from baseline in visual acuity of more than 15 letters at 24 months and at 36 months. Cataract (82%) and intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation (37%) were the most common adverse events. Raised IOP was mostly treated with IOP-lowering medications, with <5% of eyes requiring incisional IOP-lowering surgery. FAME trial program results are confirmed by a series of real-world studies in eyes with chronic/recalcitrant DME.

Expert opinion: data indicate that fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant is a useful second-line option for the treatment of DME.     

The long-term anatomical and visual effect of intravitreal triamcinolone injection during vitrectomy for the treatment of idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane

Purpose: To compare the long-term anatomical and visual outcomes of patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) removed by vitrectomy and membrane peeling with or without the use of intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA).

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed. Subjects who underwent vitrectomy and who were followed over 12 months were included. The study included two groups of patients. In group 1 (71 eyes), the patients underwent vitrectomy and membrane peeling without the use of IVTA. In group 2 (27 eyes), 2?mg of IVTA was given at the end of the surgery. The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT) determined by optical coherence tomography (OCT), the number of cataract surgeries, and the use of anti-glaucomatous drugs during the follow-up period.

Results: This study included 98 eyes with ERM from 98 patients. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to age, gender, pre- and postoperative lens status, BCVA, CFT, or length of the follow-up period. The mean age for all of the patients was 62.45?±?10.01 (mean ± SD) years, and the mean follow-up length was 20.58?±?9.64 (mean ± SD) months. In all cases, the mean best-corrected logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) acuity improved from a preoperative value of 0.91?±?0.32 [Snellen equivalent (SE), 0.16?±?0.14] to a postoperative value of 0.46?±?0.36 (SE, 0.46?±?0.29) (P?<?0.0001). The CFT was reduced from a preoperative value of 473.46?±?96.91 μm to a postoperative value of 302.44?±?69.80 μm (P?<?0.0001). Six patients (22.2%) in group 2 required anti-glaucomatous drugs to control intraocular pressure (IOP) during the follow-up period, and three patients (4.2%) in group 1 required drugs to control IOP (P?=?0.012).

Conclusions: The postoperative visual outcomes for patients with idiopathic ERM were favorable, but CFT did not return to a normal level, even in eyes in which 2?mg IVTA was used. The IVTA use after ERM removal produced no significant benefits during long-term follow-up, but IVTA did increase the risk of increased IOP.     

Intraocular corticosteroids for posterior segment disease: 2012 update

Introduction: Diabetic macular edema (DME), cystoid macular edema (CME), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal vascular occlusion (RVO) and uveitis are responsible for severe visual impairment worldwide. In some patients with these conditions, treatment with intraocular corticosteroids may be beneficial. Although off-label use of these agents has occurred for many years, novel agents including preservative-free and sustained-release intravitreal implants are currently being studied in clinical trials (CTs).

Areas covered: This paper reviews the use of CTs for vitreoretinal (VR) diseases including choroidal neovascularization, CME, DME, RVO and posterior uveitis. It also discusses the use of corticosteroids for treating VR disease, including dexamethasone, fluocinolone acetonide, intravitreal implants and triamcinolone acetonide.

Expert opinion: Used alone, intravitreal corticosteroids may benefit disorders such as DME, RVO and uveitis compared with standard therapy. Cases of exudative AMD non-responsive to standard treatment may benefit from combination therapy, including usage of intravitreal corticosteroid injections. Intraoperative use of these agents may aid visualization of retinal structures. Sustained-release intraocular implants have been approved for posterior uveitis and RVO associated with macular edema. In spite of this, most intraocular corticosteroids have a limited duration of action along with significant side effects, including cataract and glaucoma. Currently, intravitreal corticosteroid usage for DME is considered off-label.