Modified inexpensive needle for suprachoroidal triamcinolone acetonide injections in pseudophakic cystoid macular edema

Indian J Ophthalmol. 2021 Mar;69(3):765-767. doi: 10.4103/ijo.IJO_1464_20.

Abstract

Pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (PCME) is one of the leading causes of reduced vision, after cataract surgery. Topical steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drops are frequently used in the management; however, intravitreal injections may be required for chronic cases. Suprachoroidal injection of preservative free Triamcinolone acetonide is a recent addition to the therapeutic armamentarium of ophthalmologists for treatment of cystoid macular edema of varied etiology. Though the drug is commercially available at a reasonable cost, the microneedle is not commonly available. We modified a 26 G needle for safe and cost-effective delivery of preservative-free suprachoroidal triamcinolone acetonide (SCT). In the current series of three patients with non-resolving PCME, macular edema resolved and vision improved over 3 months.

Keywords: Cataract surgery complications; pseudophakic macular edema; suprachoroidal injection; suprachoroidal steroids; triamcinolone.

MeSH terms

  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Intravitreal Injections
  • Macular Edema* / diagnosis
  • Macular Edema* / drug therapy
  • Macular Edema* / etiology
  • Triamcinolone Acetonide / therapeutic use
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Triamcinolone Acetonide