Visual loss associated with accidental subretinal injection of triamcinolone acetonide

To describe a complication of and possible retinal toxicity associated with sub-Tenon space injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA).

An interventional case report is presented. During attempted sub-Tenon space injection of TA suspension (40 mg/mL), ≈0.3 mL was inadvertently injected into the temporal subretinal space. Potential sequelae of subretinal TA were assessed with fundus photography and visual field testing.

Although subretinal TA resorbed quickly, a dense nasal visual field defect and retinal pigment epithelial changes corresponding to the area of initial subretinal TA deposition persisted for at least 18 months.

Subretinal TA may exert retinal and retinal pigment epithelial toxicity.