Abstract

RAMOS LOPEZ, Meysi et al. Intravitreal triamcinolone to treat diabetic macular edema. Rev Cubana Oftalmol [online]. 2007, vol.20, n.2, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1561-3070.

It is estimated at present that there are 120 million diabetics worldwide and that the number of these patients doubles every 15 years. Some data is descriptive in reflecting the current situation:  only 30 % of type I diabetics are properly controlled wheres and 7 % of type 2 diabetics of high risk have never been checked by any ophthalmologist in developed countries. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy depends on the type of diabetes and the age of patient, so it decreases with the age. The most common type is the non-proliferative diabetic retinopahy found in 80 % versus the proliferative in 20 % of patients. Diabetes mellitus in Cuba has a prevalence rate of 1 per 10 000 pop. Recent studies yielded 20-25 % retinopathy prevalence in diabetic patients. Early detection and treatment of retinopathy and macular edema are essential for reducing visual disability in diabetics. This paper evaluated the effectiveness of intravitreal triamcinolone as general anti-angiogenic and anti-inflamatory theraphy for macular edema in a group of diabetic patients, who had been seen at “Ramón Pando Ferrer” Ophthalmology Institute from January to July, 2006. A prospective and descriptive case-control study was performed in which the patient was the control at the same time. The sample was made up of 30 diabetic patients diagnosed with diabetic macular edema and eligible for the use of this drug. Females aged over 6 years of age predominated; although the visual acuity improved, this did not match with the evident reduction of macular edema. Those patients with no previous laser treatment had a better response to the applied drug. The main post-treatment complications were ocular hypertension and edema involution. The intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide is a therapeutical choice for diabetic macular edema.

Keywords : Diabetic retinopathy; macular edema; anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory.