TRIAMCINOLONE INJECTION TREATMENT

What is Triamcinolone Injection Treatment?

Triamcinolone injection treatment is one of the treatment options available for treating, diabetic macular oedema, retinal swelling secondary to vascular blockages, inflammatory conditions and macular degeneration.

It is a corticosteroid hormone (glucocorticoid) that helps reduce the swelling.

Why is Triamcinolone Injection Treatment Required?

Triamcinolone injection treatment is required to ensure a higher quality of life for the patient.

As the macular oedema progresses, the patient can experience altered/blurred vision.

If the treatment is not provided, the associated growth of new blood vessels in the eye and oedema can result in scarring and loss of central vision.

Who is Triamcinolone Injection Treatment Suitable For?

Generally most people are suitable to receive this Triamcinolone injection treatment.

Extra caution is advised in patients who are pregnant.

How is Triamcinolone Injection Treatment Performed?

Triamcinolone injection treatment is conducted in our rooms. At your appointment, your retinal specialist will perform the procedure typically using the following steps:

Perform tests to check the condition of the eye such as asking you to read an eye chart
administer eye drops to numb your eye before the injection
clean your eye with antiseptic to prevent infection
apply a specialised tool togently hold your eyelids open
the doctor gives the Triamcinolone injection into the eye (you do not see the needle itself and the procedure does not hurt
the anaesthetic and antiseptic are then washed out of the eye
an eye patch may or may not be spplied after

What Should I Expect After Triamcinolone Injection Treatment?

After the treatment:

have someone drive you home
wear sunglasses if your eyes feel sensitive to light
try to rest your eyes as much as possible for at least a few hours

Ask your retinal specialist if you should avoid any particular activities.

If your eyes feel sore, uncomfortable or gritty, please use the artificial tears given by your retinal specialist. You can also take over the counter pain relievers

If the eye gets more sore, more red or vision deteriorates over the next few days, please contact your retinal specialist or the staff.

Possible Risk or Complications of Triamcinolone Injection Treatment

Common complications include:

eye discomfort for a few hours after the injection
subconjunctival haemorrhage (blood shot eye)
increased pressure in the eye

These usually resolve within a few days. Use the eye drops provided if they occur, and over the counter pain relievers.

Serious complications are rare. These include:

retinal tears
infections

You should report to your ophthalmologist or their staff if you experience any of the following symptoms after the procedure:

flashes in your eye
a sudden increase in floaters in your eye
severe redness
severe pain
reduced vision

Any of the above symptoms could be a sign of infection or other serious complications. Please call to discuss with your ophthalmologist or their staff.

Most side effects usually resolve spontaneously or can be managed using lubricating eye drops.

Infection however is serious and can lead to blindness, so it is important to contact your ophthalmologist or their staff if your symptoms persist after a day. This is so you can be examined and treatment started promptly if it is a serious complication.