The Efficacy of Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide for Macular Edema in Branched Retinal Vein Occlusion

Purpose: To investigate the administration of an intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) for the treatment of macular edema in branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods: Forty-four patients with BRVO were enrolled in this study. At the first and third month after the injection of triamcinolone acetonide (4 mg/0.1 cc), the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured by Snellen chart and the thickness of macula by OCT. Results: BCVA and the macular thickness were not correlated in BRVO. Average BCVA was 0.99 (log MAR), and the mean macular thickness was 498 m before injection. At the third month after injection, the results were 0.7 (log MAR) and 258 m, respectively. Although 3 eyes experienced a transient increase of intraocular pressure, there were no serious complications affecting visual acuity. Conclusions: Macular edema and various other factors are considered as the causes of decreased visual acuity in BRVO. IVTA is effective in treating macular edema but not in improving visual acuity.