Intravitreal versus Oral Steroids for Inflammation Control in Uveitic Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Complicated uveitic cataracts pose challenges for post-operative inflammation control.
• Standard treatment often involves peri-operative oral steroids.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of a single intraoperative intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) versus oral steroids for inflammation management after cataract extraction in patients with uveitic cataracts.

Main Methods:

• Prospective experimental study involving 40 eyes of 40 patients.
• One group received a single 4mg IVTA injection, while the other received peri-operative oral steroids.
• Phacoemulsification was the primary surgical technique used.

Main Results:

• Initial differences in anterior chamber inflammation between groups resolved by the final follow-up.
• No cases of uveitis recurrence or cystoid macular edema were observed in either group.
• A small number of patients in the oral steroid group experienced elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).

Conclusions:

• A single 4mg intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide demonstrates comparable efficacy to peri-operative oral steroid administration for controlling inflammation after cataract surgery in this patient population.