Steroids for treatment of Retinal Vein Occlusion

Shwu-Jiuan Sheu

Abstract


Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most common retinal vascular disease in adults. In both types of RVO, macular edema (ME) is a major cause of visual impairment. Treatment modalities have improved substantially in recent years, from laser photocoagulation to intravitreal pharmacotherapy. The breakdown of blood-retinal barrier due to VEGF and inflammatory mediator plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ME. These pathways lead to the treatment by using anti-VEGF and corticosteroid. The outcomes of anti-VEGF therapy are unprecedented, but responses to treatment may vary and frequent injections are required. Corticosteroids have been used as a treatment strategy for ME secondary to RVO based on evidence revealing that inflammation plays a crucial role in RVO. This article will focus on a brief review on the use of corticosteroid on treatment of ME 2nd to RVO. Evidence available from prospective, multicenter clinical studies and from a selective literature search is reported.


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