Retinal sensitivity improvement after intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection for macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) on retinal sensitivity in cases of macular edema(ME) secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total of 14 eyes of 14 cases of BRVO were included in this prospective study. In each eye, at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after IVTA injection, logMAR visual acuity, central 4° retinal sensitivity by MP-1 microperimetry, and optical coherence tomography foveal thickness were assessed. RESULTS: Cases ages ranged from 60 to 79 years (mean 68 ± 8 years). At 1, 3, and 6 months, the logMAR visual acuity had increased from 0.71 ± 0.21 to 0.42 ± 0.21, 0.46 ± 0.30, and 0.46 ± 0.27; the mean foveal thickness had decreased from 540 ± 88 μm to 254 ± 51 μm, 288 ± 84 μm, and 280 ± 91 μm; and the mean retinal sensitivity had increased from 4.7 ± 2.5 dB to 7.9 ± 2.7 dB, 8.2 ± 3.6 dB, and 8.3 ± 4.6 dB, respectively. CONCLUSION: In eyes with ME secondary to BRVO, IVTA injections result in a significant increase in not only the visual acuity but also the central 4° retinal sensitivity in 6 months follow-up.