Reply to Ozkiris et al

Factors correlated with the resolution of macular oedema after one dose injection of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide treatment in branch retinal vein occlusion

“…As previous studies demonstrated that the effects of a single intravitreal injection could last for approximately 3–6 months in a nonvitrectomized, phakic patient, and was very effective in reversing cystoid ME and improving visual acuity in recent-onset nonischaemic retinal vein occlusion, 21 , 23 the present study monitored the recurrence rate at 6 months after a single IVTA injection. The results of the present study demonstrated that IVTA significantly reduced the MRT from baseline to 6 months, and produced a significantly greater reduction, compared with standard care with grid laser photocoagulation.…”

“…Recurrent or persistent ME is a difficult clinical problem that is often encountered during the treatment of BRVO. 3 , 20 – 22 To date, there have been no reports about how to predict the ME recurrence rate after IVTA based on morphological patterns in BRVO. Studies have demonstrated that intravitreal corticosteroid injection is effective in reversing cystoid ME and improving visual acuity.…”

“…Studies have demonstrated that intravitreal corticosteroid injection is effective in reversing cystoid ME and improving visual acuity. 20 , 21 A study that compared dexamethasone intravitreal implant, 0.7 mg (Ozurdex®, Allergan, Irvine, CA, USA) and TA for refractory cystoid ME due to retinal vein occlusion concluded that there was no difference between the two drugs regarding anatomical or functional outcomes or the incidence of side-effects, although the number of intravitreal injections were reduced by using Ozurdex®. 22 The current study retrospectively analysed baseline parameters in patients with BRVO-induced ME that might predict the successful resolution of ME following a single dose of IVTA.…”

“…IVTA is associated with some side-effects, such as elevated IOP, cataract development and sterile pseudoendophthalmitis of uncertain aetiology; and repeated IVTA injections could accelerate cataract progression. 21 However, medical personnel need to weigh up the risks of using IVTA injections compared with multiple injections of anti-VEGF agents, which may be costly and have short-term efficacy. 5 Research has demonstrated that one intravitreal bevacizumb injection might have little effect on improving retinal microcirculation in patients with ME secondary to acute BRVO at least 3 months after the injection.…”