Evaluation of Contrast Sensitivity after Single Intravitreal Triamcinolone Injection for Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

Abstract

Purpose. To evaluate visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity (CS), and central retinal thickness (CRT) after intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVT) injection for macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods. In this prospective study, a total of 21 eyes of 21 patients were included. VA, CS, and CRT were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months after a single IVT injection. Results. Mean age was 64.57 ± 8.34 years. The mean baseline VA (LogMAR) increased from 1.11 ± 0.63 to 0.55 ± 0.39 ( P < 0.001 ), 0.60 ± 0.40 ( P < 0.001 ), and 0.78 ± 0.39 ( P = 0.07 ) at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. The mean baseline CS (log CS) at 1 meter improved from 0.66 ± 0.49 to 1.11 ± 0.32 ( P < 0.001 ), 0.99 ± 0.38 ( P < 0.001 ), and 0.72 ± 0.37 ( P = 0.8 ) at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. The mean baseline CS (log CS) at 3 meters improved from 0.34 ± 0.41 to 0.74 ± 0.41 ( P < 0.001 ), 0.64 ± 0.44 ( P = 0.036 ), and 0.46 ± 0.49 ( P = 0.8 ) at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. The mean baseline CRT decreased from 511 ± 146 μ m to 242 ± 119 μ m, 277 ± 131 μ m, and 402 ± 166 μ m at 1, 3, and 6 months after IVT ( P < 0.001 for each). Conclusion. Single IVT injection improved VA and CS and reduced CRT at 1 and 3 months of treatment. VA and CS returned to baseline levels at 6 months.