AIM:To observe the clinical effects of intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide(TA)before vitrectomy for retinal detachment associated with choroidal detachment.

METHODS: Totally 23 cases(23 eyes)of retinal detachment associated with choroidal detachment in our hospital were treated by intravitreal injection of TA 4-5d before 23-Gauge micro-invasive vitrectomy combined with silicone oil injection. All the cases were followed up between 6 to 9mo. The anatomic retinal reattachment, visual acuity, intraocular pressure and postoperative complications were observed and analyzed.

RESULTS: After the surgery, the visual acuity of all patients were improved, with 9 eyes better than 0.3(39%), and 18 eyes better than 0.05(78%). The BCVA at 1wk, 1 and 3mo and last follow up were different compared with before operations(P<0.05). The mean intraocular pressure was 4.02±1.47mmHg before injection, 13.69±4.68mmHg before operation(P<0.05), and 17.72±5.87 mmHg after operation(P<0.05). The retina of all patients treated were reattached 2wk post-operatively. The retinal reattachment rate after the primary surgery and the secondary surgery was 87% and 100%, respectively. Post-operative complications included 7 eyes of transient high intraocular pressure, occurred during 12-14d after operations and returned to normal after less glucocorticoid eye drops and giving IOP lowering drugs. There were no intraocular hemorrhage, iatrogenic retinal breaks, infections, or lens injuries.

CONCLUSION: Intravitreal injection of TA before vitrectomy for retinal detachment associated with choroidal could improve the clinical effects, and decrease the difficulty of surgery while the injection itself is pretty safe.