Endothelial loss following postoperative intracameral triamcinolone acetonide and subconjunctival dexamethasone injections.

Objectives: To compare endothelial toxicity and efficacy of two local steroid injections (intracameral triamcinolone acetonide and subconjunctival dexamethasone) in controlling postoperative inflammation following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

Methods: This cohort included 54 patients that underwent combined surgery and received either intracameral triamcinolone acetonide injections (n = 27, IC-TA group) or subconjunctival dexamethasone (n = 27, Sc-Dex group) injections at the end of the surgery. All participants had at least 4 months or longer follow-up. A detailed ophthalmologic examination including intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement and specular microscopy was performed at every visit.

Results: Endothelial cell density (ECD) reduced significantly in IC-TA group postoperatively (2418 vs. 2249, p = 0.019), while it did not change significantly in Sc-Dex group (2541 vs. 2492, p = 0.247). Postoperative ECD was also significantly lower in IC-TA group compared to Sc-Dex group (p = 0.011). Preoperative and postoperative IOP values remained unchanged both in IC-TA and Sc-Dex groups (p = 0.424 and p = 0.523, respectively). However, 4 patients in IC-TA group and 5 patients in the Sc-Dex group needed glaucoma medications. The postoperative need for glaucoma medications was similar between the groups (p = 0.347). Postoperative inflammation was well controlled in both groups and none of the patients developed fibrin membrane or synechiae postoperatively.

Conclusion: Both treatments were effective in controlling postoperative inflammation, but patients in IC-TA group experienced significantly higher endothelial loss. Sc-Dex injections are safer in terms of endothelial loss and preferable to control postoperative inflammation following complex intraocular surgeries.