Our Summary

This study looked at whether injecting a drug called triamcinolone acetonide into a specific part of the eye could help reduce fluid build-up (choroidal detachment) in people who were about to have surgery for a detached retina.

This was a small, early-stage study where all patients with a detached retina and fluid build-up were given the injection before their surgery. The researchers used ultrasound scans to measure the fluid build-up before and after the injection.

The results showed that, within 3 days, more than half of the fluid had been reduced in 5 patients, and within 5 days in 2 more patients. However, 3 patients didn’t respond to the injection and needed additional surgery to drain the fluid. There were no complications related to the injection itself, although one patient had a temporary increase in eye pressure after the surgery, which was successfully treated with eye drops.

These results suggest that injecting triamcinolone acetonide into the eye could be a safe and effective way to reduce fluid build-up in people with a detached retina. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of injecting triamcinolone acetonide into the eye before retinal detachment surgery?
  2. What were the results of the study on using triamcinolone acetonide to reduce choroidal detachment?
  3. Were there any complications related to the injection of triamcinolone acetonide in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing retinal detachment surgery that they may receive an injection of triamcinolone acetonide to help reduce fluid build-up in the eye. This injection has been shown to be safe and effective in some cases, but additional surgery may still be needed for some patients who do not respond to the injection. It is important for the patient to follow their doctor’s recommendations and attend follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Retinal detachment surgery is typically recommended for patients who have been diagnosed with a detached retina. This condition occurs when the retina, the layer of tissue at the back of the eye that processes light, becomes separated from its underlying layers of support tissue.

Patients who may be recommended for retinal detachment surgery include those who experience symptoms such as sudden flashes of light, floaters in their vision, or a curtain-like shadow over their visual field. Additionally, patients with a high risk of retinal detachment, such as those with a history of eye trauma, a family history of retinal detachment, or certain eye conditions like lattice degeneration, may also be recommended for surgery to prevent future detachment.

Overall, the decision to recommend retinal detachment surgery is based on the individual patient’s specific condition and risk factors, and should be made in consultation with a qualified ophthalmologist or retina specialist.

Timeline

Before retinal detachment surgery, a patient may experience symptoms such as sudden flashes of light, floaters in their vision, a curtain-like shadow over their field of vision, or a sudden decrease in vision. They may visit an eye doctor who will conduct a thorough eye exam and diagnose the detached retina.

After diagnosis, the patient will be scheduled for retinal detachment surgery, which may involve different techniques such as pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckle surgery, or vitrectomy. The patient will be prepared for surgery with pre-operative instructions and may undergo tests such as ultrasound or optical coherence tomography to assess the extent of the detachment.

During surgery, the retina will be reattached, and any fluid or scar tissue will be removed. The patient may experience some discomfort or blurred vision immediately after surgery, but this should improve as they recover. They will be given post-operative instructions for care and follow-up appointments to monitor their progress.

After retinal detachment surgery, the patient will need to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a period of time to allow the eye to heal properly. They may need to use eye drops or medications to prevent infection or reduce inflammation. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to assess the success of the surgery and monitor the health of the eye. Vision improvement may continue over time as the eye heals and the retina reattaches fully.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about retinal detachment surgery include:

  1. What is the purpose of injecting triamcinolone acetonide into the eye before surgery for a detached retina?
  2. Are there any potential risks or side effects associated with this injection?
  3. How will the effectiveness of the injection be monitored before and after surgery?
  4. What are the expected outcomes of using this injection in terms of reducing fluid build-up in the eye?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or medications that could be considered instead of or in addition to this injection?
  6. How long will it take for the injection to take effect, and how long will the effects last?
  7. Will the injection impact the overall success rate of the retinal detachment surgery?
  8. Are there any specific precautions or follow-up care instructions I should be aware of after receiving this injection?
  9. What is the likelihood of needing additional surgery or treatments if the injection does not effectively reduce fluid build-up?
  10. Are there any specific factors about my individual case that may impact the decision to use this injection as part of my treatment plan?

Reference

Authors: Kohli GM, Shenoy P, Halim D, Nigam S, Shetty S, Talwar D, Sen A. Journal: Indian J Ophthalmol. 2022 Apr;70(4):1302-1306. doi: 10.4103/ijo.IJO_1788_21. PMID: 35326041