AIM: To do the assesement of the effects of repeated parabulbar application of triamcinolone acetonide(TA)on uveitic macular edema(ME)with and without epiretinal membranes(ERM)obtained via high resolution optical coherence tomography(OCT)parameters(central and average macular thicknesses, and volume)and their correlation with visual efficiency.

METHODS: This study depicts treatment results obtained for 140 eyes in patients with uveitic macular edema divided into two groups based on absence or presence of epiretinal membranes. Three repeated doses of triamcinolone acetonide(40 mg each)were parabulbarlly applied every 3-4wk, and besides which all patients also received local treatment of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients' visual efficiency, intraocular pressure, and high resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT)examination was performed.

RESULTS: Best results were achieved in patients with macular edema without epiretinal membranes where average values for average thickness, volume, and central field thickness were statistically significantly lower than the same values at the beginning of treatment. Following treatment of eyes with macular edema in a group with ERM, besides decreased values of volume and average thickness, there was also increased central field thickness. Overall, from initial examination to treatment completion, there was no statistically significant change of intraocular pressure and central field thickness, but there was statistically significant decrease in average thickness, volume, while visual efficiency statistically increased. In both groups visual efficiency highly correlated with central field thickness.

CONCLUSION: Repeated parabulbar application of triamcinolone acetonide had better outcome on uveitic macular edema without epiretinal membranes being present.