Intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide in nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy

BackgroundSystemic corticosteroid may play a vital role in treating nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). An intravitreal route provides the advantage of avoiding systemic side effects. In this study, we investigated the treatment result of intravitreal injection of acetonide (IVITA).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed six patients with NAION who were treated with a single IVITA. The patients were followed monthly for 6 months.ResultsVisual acuity improved in three patients. One patient also had a better visual field at the 6th month follow up. Two patients with more severe swelling of the optic disc initially did not gain better visual acuity. One patient with a pre-existing epiretinal membrane maintained stable visual acuity.ConclusionSome patients with NAION may improve with IVITA treatment. Further randomized controlled clinical trials are needed.