Lens and Anterior Uvea

This chapter illustrates photos of clinical signs seen in uveitis and interesting cases of lens pathologies. Anterior uveitis is the inflammation of the iris and the ciliary body. Anterior uveitis can be idiopathic, isolated, or associated with systemic diseases. The clinical findings observed in anterior uveitis include keratic precipitates, inflammatory cells and flare in anterior chamber, hypopyon, rarely hyphema, miosis, iris nodules and atrophy, synechiae, and band keratopathy in chronic cases (shown in corneal degenerations chapter). The inflammation in anterior uveitis is almost always immune. Treatment includes steroid eye drops, cycloplegic drops, sub-Tenon steroid injections when cystoid macular edema is present. Chronic macular edema can be treated with intravitreal Triamcinolone injection and Dexamethasone implants. In cases of refractory anterior uveitis or associated immune systemic diseases, immunomodulatory treatment or biologic agents are prescribed.

Comparative Outcomes of Standard Perioperative Eye Drops, Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide-Moxifloxacin, and Intracameral Dexamethasone-Moxifloxacin-Ketorolac in Cataract Surgery

Background: Since the advent of cataract surgery, topical eye drops have been the mainstay of postoperative prophylaxis and treatment. Due to factors such as high expenses and poor patient compliance, there has been a growing interest and acceptance of “dropless” alternatives. The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide-moxifloxacin and intracameral dexamethasone-moxifloxacin-ketorolac to a standard eye drop regimen in controlling postoperative inflammation, corneal edema, and intraocular pressure (IOP) among cataract patients.Methods: A retrospective longitudinal comparative study among 619 consecutive eyes receiving either a standard eye drop regimen, intraoperative triamcinolone acetonide-moxifloxacin or dexamethasone-moxifloxacin-ketorolac was performed between October 2016 and December 2020. Primary endpoints at postoperative day one (POD1), week one (POW1), and month one (POM1) included corneal edema, anterior chamber inflammation (ACI), and IOP.Results: Throughout the postoperative time points, there were no significant differences in corneal edema between intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide-moxifloxacin versus the standard eye drop therapy (OR [95%CI]: 1.09 [0.82, 1.45], P = .54) and intracameral dexamethasone-moxifloxacin-ketorolac versus the standard eye drop treatment (OR [95% CI]: 1.22 [0.89, 1.67], P = .22). The postoperative ACI severity was lower in the dexamethasone-moxifloxacin-ketorolac group compared to the triamcinolone acetonide-moxifloxacin group by 35% on postoperative day 1 (P = .01). The differences at subsequent postoperative time points were not statistically significant (P = .27 and P = 1.00 for POW1 and POM1 respectively). IOP at POM1 follow up visit was statistically significantly higher for the triamcinolone acetonide-moxifloxacin group [mean (±SD): 15.64 (4.26)] compared to the dexamethasone-moxifloxacin-ketorolac [mean (±SD): 14.16 (4.02)] (P < .01). There was no statistical difference in rates of CME (P = .16) and there were no cases of endophthalmitis.Conclusions: Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide-moxifloxacin and intracameral dexamethasone-moxifloxacin-ketorolac demonstrate similar levels of efficacy to a standard eye drop regimen after cataract surgery. This study reinforces them as viable alternatives to traditional postoperative drops.

Long-term outcomes of administration of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide after posterior vitreous detachment during pars plana vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy

AimTo evaluate the long-term outcomes of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (TA) administration after posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) during pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).MethodsA total of 189 eyes (152 patients) who underwent PPV for severe PDR were reviewed. Intravitreal injection of TA (IVTA) was administered during PPV in 118 eyes (PPV+IVTA group), and 71 eyes did not receive IVTA (PPV group). Immediately after PVD, when most of the vitreous and proliferative membranes were removed, 0.1 mL TA (40 mg/mL) was injected into the vitreous cavity in the PPV+IVTA group. All patients were followed-up for least 12 months. Visual outcomes and postoperative complications were recorded and compared between the two groups.ResultsIVTA was helpful for proliferative membrane peeling and haemostasis during PPV. In the PPV+IVTA group, best-corrected visual acuity had significantly improved and the intraocular pressure was controlled well during the follow-up. The incidence of early recurrent vitreous haemorrhage after PPV was significantly lower in the PPV+IVTA group (1.7%) than in the PPV group (9.9%) (p=0.028).ConclusionThe administration of IVTA after PVD during PPV can effectively improve the final visual outcomes and prevent postoperative complications in patients with severe PDR.

EFFECT OF INTRAVITREAL TRIAMCINOLONE ACETONIDE IN REFRACTORY DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA

Objective: To investigate the effects of intravitreal triamcinolone for refractory diabetic maculopathy after 03 unsuccessful intravitreal bevacizumab injections. Study Design: Prospective observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Retina department of Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital Rawalpindi, from Jun 2016 to Jul 2017. Methodology: Total 35 eyes of 35 patients who were diagnosed with diabetic maculopathy and having history of minimum three intravitreal Bevacizumab injections were included. Detailed eye examinations included visual acuity, anterior and posterior segment examination and intraocular pressure measurement was performed in all patients. Central macular thickness was also measured. Then intravitreal triamcinolone was administered to eyes by principal researcher (Ophthalmologist). After one month, follow up examination of patient’s eyes was done to assess the effects of injection. Results: Majority of the participants were males 19 (55%) in this research. There was statistically significant difference between means of intra ocular pressure (mean difference= 4.30 ± 5.41), Visual acuity (mean difference=2.8 ± 2.4) and central macular thickness (mean difference = 236.4 ± 13) pre and post injection was found (p-value<0.05). Conclusion: There was statistically significant difference of central macular thickness and visual acuity, pre and post intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection was found.

Diabetic macular edema: Safe and effective treatment with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (Taioftal)

Purpose To suggest the safety and efficacy of preservative-free triamcinolone acetonide intravitreal injectable suspension (Taioftal) for the treatment of diabetic macular edema. Methods A prospective clinical study involved 49 patients (49 eyes), that were treated with Taioftal and followed-up for six months. Complete ophthalmic examination, including spectral domain optical coherence tomography, was performed at baseline, and at month 1, 3, 6 after the intravitreal injection. Accurate collection and analysis of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and adverse events (AEs) were carried out in order to evaluate visual function and macular morphology before and after treatment Results Median BCVA value chosen as comparing statistics was significantly improved at every follow-up time points (gain of 6 letters at month 1, 12 at month 3 –improvement up to 24% at month 3 with stabilization until month 6) compared to baseline, as certified by Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test (P<0.05). Median CFT significantly waned at each follow-up times (decrease of about 65 μm at month 1, 155 at month 3 –reduction up to 28% at month 3 keeping good outcome until month 6) compared to baseline (P<0.05). IOP elevation, with no severe increases, was the most common among spotted AEs (median of 23 mmHg at month 1, 20 at month 3). Conclusion Intravitreal injection of preservative-free triamcinolone (Taioftal) is an effective, safe and inexpensive drug used to improve visual acuity and reduce central foveal thickness in eyes affected by diabetic macular edema during an average time of 6 months. Temporary, never severe, elevation of IOP is totally manageable with topical medications. No serious vision-threatening complications are related to the use of intravitreal triamcinolone injections.

Comparative Efficacy of Intravitreal Triamcinolone and Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant for Diabetic Macular Edema

Purpose: To compare the efficacy, adverse effects, and treatment burden of two injectable corticosteroids, triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog® or Triesence®) and the dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex®), for treating diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: This was a retrospective review at a single tertiary care center. Eyes treated with either intravitreal triamcinolone two mg (IVTA) or the intravitreal dexamethasone 0.7 mg implant for center-involving DME and with follow up of at least six months were included. Main outcomes were visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), IOP medication use, central macular thickness (CMT), and time to next treatment of any kind.Results: There were 24 eyes in the IVTA group and 15 eyes in the dex group. Baseline mean VA was 20/60 (range 20/30-20/800) in the IVTA group and 20/35 (range 20/20-20/100) in the dex group (p=0.0011). Only the subgroup of pseudophakic IVTA patients experienced a statistically significant increase in vision early on (+2 letters at month 1, +3 letters at month three), though not at month six. Mean IOP increased by 2.5 and 0.20 mmHg at month one in the IVTA and dex groups, respectively (p=0.27). Mean CMT decreased by 143 mm with IVTA and 39 mm with dex at month one (p=0.00025). Mean time to next treatment of any kind was 19 weeks for IVTA and 20.3 weeks for dex (p=0.41). Conclusions: Intravitreal triamcinolone and the intravitreal dexamethasone implant both show similar efficacy at reducing DME and its treatment burden, but neither significantly affected visual acuity over six months.

Comparison of Safety and Efficacy of Grid Laser Versus Combination of Sequential Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide and Grid Laser in Treatment of Diabetic Macular Oedema - Randomized Open Label Study, Bangalore, Karnataka

BACKGROUND The reported prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in diabetics is around 40 %. Diabetic macular oedema (DME) is defined as macular thickening resulting from diabetic retinopathy, due to leakage from micro aneurysms, or from a diffuse leakage of hyper permeable capillaries. Intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) has gained considerable interest and clinical use because it often has beneficial effect on retinal thickening in DME. The synergistic action of IVTA and laser photocoagulation might increase and prolong the beneficial effects of IVTA in reducing ME. Hence the need for a study to compare efficacies of grid laser, and combination of sequential IVTA and grid laser in treating patients with DME. We wanted to evaluate functional and morphological outcome of grid laser versus combination of sequential intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide and grid laser in treatment of diabetic macular oedema. METHODS The study included 62 eyes with DME. There were 31 eyes which received grid laser photocoagulation (group 1) and 31 eyes which received grid laser photocoagulation following IVTA (group 2) and visual acuity, CMT on OCT was compared at baseline and after day 1, 1st week, 4th week and 12th week. Outcome and comparative efficacies were evaluated. RESULTS Our study shows reduced macular thickness and improved visual acuity in group 2 compared to group 1 in all follow ups. On intragroup analysis, we found a significant reduction in CMT in both groups at 1 week, 4 weeks and 12 weeks as compared to baseline. In our study we also compared CMT between group 1 and group 2 which did not show significant difference at baseline. But, difference in CMT from baseline at each follow up which is at 1 week, 4 weeks and 12 weeks between two groups showed more reduction in CMT in group 2 compared to group 1. CONCLUSIONS There was a significant reduction in CMT in all the follow ups of both groups, but group 2 had more reduction in CMT compared to group 1. The synergistic action of IVTA and laser photocoagulation might increase and prolong the beneficial effect of IVTA in reducing ME. This study found evidence of synergistic effects of IVTA and laser photocoagulation in DME in terms of improving visual acuity and in reducing CMT compared to grid laser alone and should be tried as a modality of treatment in DME. KEYWORDS DME, IVTA, CMT, Macular grid laser, OCT

Safety of intravitreal triamcinolone and its impact on optic nerve morphology in patients treated for diabetic macular edema

Purpose: To assess the impact of one intravitreal injection (IVT) of Triamcinolone Acetonide (TA) on intraocular pressure (IOP) and optic nerve structural parameters in patients treated for Diabetic Macular Edema (DME). Methods: This retrospective study included patients with DME that were naïve to intraocular steroids and underwent one IVT of TA of 4 mg/0.1 mL and age-matched controls with DME without criteria for IVT. Patients records were reviewed for IOP (at baseline and a month after IVT) and optic nerve parameters measured by optical coherence tomography (up to 6 months before and 6 months after IVT). Exclusion criteria included glaucoma and treatment with hypotensive agents. Results: Twenty-six eyes were included in the Control Group and 29 in the IVT Group, with a mean age of 65.10 ± 10.08 and 67.30 ± 4.71 years, respectively ( p = 0.06). At baseline, IOP and optic nerve measurements were equivalent between groups ( p > 0.05). One month after IVT, mean IOP measurements in IVT Group were higher than those of controls (17.84 ± 4.50 vs 11.59 ± 3.09 mmHg, p < 0.001). Ocular hypertension (OHT) developed in 17.24% of cases and reversed with topical medication. After one IVT, vertical cup/disc ratio was higher (0.57 ± 0.25 vs 0.60 ± 0.14, p = 0.04) and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was globally lower (mean: 91.03 ± 4.25 vs 81.33 ± 19.10 µm, p = 0.001) in the IVT Group. Conclusion: Our results confirmed that intravitreal TA results in IOP increase. This seems to negatively affect optic nerve morphology, even in patients without OHT or adequately treated with hypotensive agents.

Triamcinolone as an adjunct to the combination of anti-VEGF for the management of diabetic macular edema

AIM: To assess the efficacy of intravitreal triamcinolone (IVTA) as an adjunct to the combination of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for the management of diabetic macular edema (DME). METHODS: A total of 51 patients with visual disabilities causing by DME from two sites were retrospectively collected and assigned to two groups according to the therapeutic method: intravitreal conbercept (IVC) combined with focal laser (24 eyes) and IVC combined with focal laser and IVTA (27 eyes). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the required number of IVCs, central retinal thickness (CRT), the mean costs of treatment burden and safety were compared over 12mo. RESULTS: From baseline to month 1 through month 12, IVC combined with focal laser and IVTA improved the mean average change in BCVA superior to IVC combined with focal laser (+5.20 vs +2.71 letters). At month 12, 20.83% of the IVC combined with focal laser and 37.04% of IVC combined with focal laser and IVTA arms gained more than 10 BCVA letters. During the period, the mean CRT decreased significantly in the IVC combined with focal laser and IVTA arm (-245.9 μm) compared to the IVC combined with focal laser arm (-98.45 μm). The average of 6.45 and 1.25 conbercept injections performed in the IVC combined with focal laser and IVC combined with focal laser and IVTA arms, respectively. The mean cost of treatment burden for 12mo was $6247.44±4069.18 in the IVC combined with focal laser arm and $1679.19±542.73 in the IVC combined with focal laser and IVTA arm, with a statistically significant difference. Apart from occasional minor subconjunctival hemorrhage, no other significant ocular adverse events (AEs) were observed in either group during the12-month period. CONCLUSION: It is effective and cost-effective to treat DME by utilizing triamcinolone as an adjunct to the combination of anti-VEGF.