Comparison of Choroidal Thickness Changes following Intravitreal Dexamethasone, Ranibizumab, and Triamcinolone in Eyes with Retinal Vein Occlusion

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate short-term choroidal thickness changes following intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DEX), ranibizumab (RAN), and triamcinolone acetonide (TA) in eyes with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and macular edema (ME). Methods In this prospective study, 35 eyes of 35 patients with RVO and ME who were treated with intravitreal injections of DEX, RAN, and TA were included. Choroidal thickness was measured using semiautomated segmentation of enhanced depth imaging with optical coherence tomography at fovea and parafoveal areas. Changes in choroidal thickness following treatment were compared statistically. Results Choroidal thickness decreased following DEX, RAN, and TA treatments (all p>0.05). In the DEX group, at the first month nasal 1,500 µm (N11,500) and at the third month subfoveal (SF3) and nasal 500 µm (N3500) choroidal thickness revealed a significant reduction compared to RAN and TA groups (all p<0.05). In the TA group, choroidal thickness showed a significant reduction only at nasal 1,500 µm (N31,500) at the third month (p<0.05). Conclusions Choroidal thickness was decreased in all 3 groups. The DEX and TA groups showed a significant reduction at some areas. Ranibizumab had the smallest effect on choroidal thickness after 3 months among all groups.