Repeated Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injections versus Single Combined Intravitreal Bevacizumab and Posterior Subtenon Triamcinolone Injections for Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema

Aim: To compare efficacy of combined intravitreal bevacizumab and subtenon triamcinolone versus three intravitreal injections of bevacizumab at one month interval for reducing foveal thickness.

Methods: Sixty eyes of 30 diabetic patients with bilateral diabetic macular edema were randomly enrolled in two groups, group A eyes treated with three intravitreal injections of Bevacizumab of 1 month apart, and group B eyes treated with a single intravitreal injection of Bevacizumab combined with a subtenon triamcinolone in the same operative session. Pre and postoperative clinical data were measured and followed up over 6 months.

Results: Difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment clinical data for each parameter in the same group was highly statistically significant. However, on comparing results of post treatment BCVA, IOP and CMT in both groups, there was no statistically significant difference.

Conclusion: Combination of subtenon triamcinolone and intravitreal bevacizumab is a safe and effective choice to treat DME.