Effects of Switching from Anti-VEGF Treatment to Triamcinolone Acetonide in Eyes with Refractory Macular Edema Associated with Diabetic Retinopathy or Retinal Vein Occlusion

Figure 1

Comparisons of the central retinal thickness (CRT) under different treatment agents. The minimum CRT values during the anti-VEGF treatment, immediately before switching to triamcinolone acetonide (TA), and one month after the TA treatment in eyes with (a) diabetic macular edema (DME) and with (b) retinal vein occlusion macular edema (RVO-ME) are shown. In eyes with DME, the TA treatment significantly reduced the CRT from to at one month after beginning the TA treatment. The CRT was not significantly different from the minimum value of during the anti-VEGF treatment. Similarly, in eyes with RVO, the TA treatment significantly reduced the CRT from to at one month after beginning the TA treatment. The CRT was not significantly different from the minimum value of during the anti-VEGF treatment. Comparisons of the BCVA under different conditions. The minimum value during the anti-VEGF treatment, immediately before switching to TA treatment, and one month after TA treatment in eyes with (c) DME and (d) RVO-ME. In eyes with DME, TA treatment significantly improved the BCVA from logMAR units (Snellen 20/80) to logMAR units (Snellen 20/35). One month after the TA treatment, the BCVA was not significantly different from the minimum value of logMAR units (Snellen 20/38) during the anti-VEGF treatment. Similarly, in eyes with RVO, TA treatment significantly improved the BCVA from logMAR units (Snellen 20/58) to logMAR units (Snellen 20/38). One month after TA treatment, the BCVA was not significantly different from the minimum value of logMAR units (Snellen 20/35) during the anti-VEGF treatment. CRT: central retinal thickness; BCVA: best-corrected visual acuity; DME: diabetic macular edema; RVO-ME: retinal vein occlusion macular edema; TA: triamcinolone acetonide; IVA: intravitreal aflibercept.

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