Purpose: The aim of this study was to study the effects of the sub-Tenon triamcinolone acetonide (STA) injection on ischemic cystoid macular edema (CME) or macular edema (ME) and blood-aqueous barrier (BAB) disruption associated with branch or central retinal vein occlusion (BRVO or CRVO).
Methods: Prior to, and 1, 2, 3, and 4 months after, STA injection, central retinal thickness was measured by using optical coherence tomography and the amount of aqueous flare by using laser flare metry.
Results: In the BRVO group treated by STA, the amount of flare was significantly less at 1, 2, and 3 months after injection than in the untreated BRVO group (P < 0.05). In the CRVO group treated by STA, the amount was significantly less at 1 month after injection than in the untreated CRVO group (P < 0.05). In the BRVO group with STA treatment, central retinal thickness was significantly less at 1 and 2 months after the treatment than in the untreated BRVO group (P < 0.05). In the CRVO group with STA treatment, the thickness was significantly less at 1 month after treatment than in the untreated CRVO group (P < 0.05). A correlation test revealed the amount of aqueous flare and the central retinal thickness to be well correlated (P < 0.01).
Conclusions: The effects of STA and its time course on CME or ME correlated well with those on BAB disruption. Since there is the close correlation between the BAB and blood-retinal barrier function, the effects of medical treatment on ME associated with BRVO or CRVO can be evaluated by means of the BAB function.