Factors correlated with the resolution of macular oedema after one dose injection of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide treatment in branch retinal vein occlusion

OBJECTIVE To investigate the predictive baseline factors for a successful outcome following one dose of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) in patients with macular oedema (ME) caused by branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS This retrospective study enrolled patients with ME (macular retinal thickness [MRT] ≥ 300 µm) due to BRVO who still had ME 3 months after grid laser photocoagulation. Patients were divided according to treatment into an IVTA group and a laser-only group. The resolution of ME was documented at months 3 and 6. RESULTS A total of 154 eyes with ME were investigated: IVTA group (90 eyes) and laser-only group (64 eyes). Predictive factors for successful IVTA treatment were younger age, shorter duration of ME, initial onset ME, accompanied by serous retinal detachment, few concomitant systemic diseases and nonischaemic BRVO. A broken foveal capillary ring was related to a poor treatment outcome. Eyes with cystoid spaces in the outer plexiform layer were more likely to have a good treatment response. CONCLUSION IVTA is effective for resolving ME due to BRVO after grid laser photocoagulation treatment.