To assess the safety and efficiency of combined phacoemulsification surgery and intravitreal triamcinolone (IVTA) injection in patients with cataract and diabetic macular edema. This study included “40 patients” having immature senile cataract with clinically significant macular edema. Phacoemulsification was done with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation and intravitreal triamcinolone injection. Patients were followed up on day 1,day 3 then weekly for 1 month, and thereafter monthly for 6 months postoperatively. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) & central macular thickness (CMT), and intraocular pressure (IOP) were recorded. All patients completed 6 months of follow up. Mean BCVA showed statistically significant improvement from a baseline of 0.08 ± 0.05 decimal to 0.3 ± 0.13 decimal at 3 months and 0.35 ± 0.16 decimal at 6 months . Mean CMT decreased significantly from a baseline of 504.85 ± 109.05 µm to 341.10 ± 75.35 µm at 3 months and 322.05 ± 87.40 µm at 6 months. IOP was elevated in 6 patients (15%) < 21 mmHg one month after injection but, all brought under control with anti-glaucoma medications. No injection- or surgery-related complications were encountered. Phacoemulsification with concurrent 4 mg IVTA injection appears to be a safe and effective option for managing diabetics with cataract and CSMO.
Keywords: Phacoemulsification; intravitreal triamcinolone; cataract; diabetic macular edema.