Effect of adjunctive use of triamcinolone on visual sensitivity and choroidal circulation after photodynamic therapy

Background : Triamcinolone has been reported to enhance the effect of photodynamic therapy. Triamcinolone may damage the retinal pigment epithelium and choroidal circulation. Purpose : To report changes in visual sensitivity and choroidal circulation after photodynamic therapy with or without adjunctive triamcinolone. Cases and Method : This study was made on 106 eyes of age-related macular degeneration, of which 57 eyes received photodynamic therapy alone. The other 49 eyes received additional subtenon injection of triamcinolone. Cases were followed up for 3 months or longer. Visual acuity was evaluated in terms of logMAR, changes by 0.2 or more were regarded as significant. Results : There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding visual outcome, changes in MD value measured by Humphrey perimetry, or incidence of hypoperfusion in irradiated area. Incidence of cases necessitating additional treatment for recurrence was significantly lower in triamcinolone group. Conclusion : Adjunctive use of triamcinolone does not significantly influence the outcome of photodynamic therapy for age-related macular degeneration.