Evaluation of subconjunctival triamcinolone for nonnecrotizing anterior scleritis.
OBJECTIVE
Subconjunctival corticosteroid injection (SCI) for nonnecrotizing anterior scleritis remains controversial, partly because long-term follow-up is not available. This study documents the efficacy and adverse effects of SCI.


METHODS
Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series.


METHODS
Thirty-eight eyes of 35 patients with nonnecrotizing, noninfectious anterior scleritis resistant to prior systemic or local therapy.


METHODS
Subconjunctival triamcinolone acetonide injection.


METHODS
Persistence or resolution of signs and symptoms of anterior scleritis and development of complications.


RESULTS
Thirty-six of 38 eyes had complete resolution of signs and symptoms within 6 weeks of SCI. Fifteen eyes had follow-up of > or =30 months. There were no instances of scleral melting or perforation; adverse events included subconjunctival hemorrhage (5 patients), transient ocular hypertension without evidence of glaucoma (4 patients), cataract (2 patients), and glaucoma (2 patients). Subconjunctival corticosteroid injection resulted in reduced dependence on systemic medications.


CONCLUSIONS
Subconjunctival corticosteroid injection in eyes that failed other therapies is effective, reduces dependence on systemic medications, and did not result in scleral necrosis over a median follow-up period of 29 months.
Albini
Thomas A
TA
Doheny Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA.
Zamir
Ehud
E
Read
Russell W
RW
Smith
Ronald E
RE
See
Robert F
RF
Rao
Narsing A
NA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000869:Anterior Eye Segment / Q000187:drug effects*; D003228:Conjunctiva; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015423:Scleritis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide