POSTERIOR SUB-TENONS TRIAMCINOLONE INJECTIONS IN THE TREATMENT OF UVEITIS

Purpose This is the first study reported in the United Kingdom to inve stigate the efficacy and safety of posterior, sub-Tenon's triamcinolon e acetonide injections in the treatment of posterior and intermediate uveitis. Methods Twenty-eight posterior sub-Tenon's triamcinolone inje ctions (40 mg) were given and the results analysed with a 6 month pros pective follow-up in 13 cases. Results At 6 weeks follow-up, objective improvement in visual acuity occurred in 25 eyes (p < 0.05). Vitreous cellular activity was diminished in 21 eyes (p < 0.05). In most cases improvement was observed within 2 weeks of injection. No patient requ ired repeat triamcinolone injection within 3 months and all patients p reviously treated with systemic immunosuppression were able to decreas e or discontinue this treatment. Complications included transient elev ation of intraocular pressure in 4 patients and persistent mild ptosis in 2 patients. Conclusions We have demonstrated that posterior sub-Te non's triamcinolone injection significantly decreases cystoid macular oedema, with a corresponding increase in visual acuity, in patients wi th posterior uveitis. Systemic immunosuppression may be reduced or dis continued with the avoidance of associated systemic side effects, and the technique has a high level of patient acceptability.