Efficacy And Safety Of Suprachoroidal Triamcinolone Acetonide In Mixed Etiology Noninfectious Cystoid Macular Edema

Retina. 2026 Feb 1;46(2):240-248. doi: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000004688.

Summary

Suprachoroidal triamcinolone for uveitic CME: Effective and safe, 12% increased IOP.

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the efficacy and safety of suprachoroidal triamcinolone acetonide in the management of noninfectious cystoid macular edema of various etiologies.

Methods: Retrospective observational study of 61 eyes of 56 patients with noninfectious cystoid macular edema who received suprachoroidal triamcinolone acetonide injection. Primary outcomes were treatment response, central subfield thickness, visual acuity, and intraocular pressure at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after injection.

Results: Cystoid macular edema etiology included postoperative, uveitis, diabetes mellitus, and retinal vein occlusion. Complete resolution of cystoid macular edema occurred in 34 eyes (58.6%) at 1 month and 23 eyes (50.0%) at 3 months. Median central subfield thickness improved from 430.0 µ m (IQR, 366.0-547.5) to 297.0 µ m (IQR, 277.0-392.0) at 1 month ( P < 0.001) and 326.5 µ m (IQR, 263.9-380.6) at 3 months ( P < 0.001). Visual acuity improved from logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution 0.60 (IQR, 0.40-0.88) [20/80] at baseline to 0.48 (IQR, 0.30-0.70) [20/60] at 1 month ( P = 0.002) and logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution 0.44 (IQR, 0.18-0.88) [20/60] at 3 months ( P = 0.019). Significant intraocular pressure elevation was noted in seven eyes (11.5%) overall, with no occurrences of infection, cataract progression, or suprachoroidal hemorrhage.

Conclusion: Suprachoroidal triamcinolone acetonide demonstrated significant anatomical and functional improvements in eyes with noninfectious cystoid macular edema and a reassuring side effect profile.