title: Evaluation of subconjunctival triamcinolone for nonnecrotizing anterior scleritis.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Doheny Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA.
authors.forename: Thomas A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Albini
authors.forename: Ehud
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zamir
authors.forename: Russell W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Read
authors.forename: Ronald E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Robert F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: See
authors.forename: Narsing A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Rao
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide