Steroid injections may slow progression of diabetic retinopathy, but is not recommended

Researchers analyzed outcomes in 693 patients (840 eyes) with diabetic macular edema randomly assigned to receive one of three treatments: photocoagulation or a 1-mg or 4-mg intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide as often as every four months. The cumulative probability of retinopathy progression at two years was 31 percent in the laser group, 29 percent in the 1-mg group and 21 percent in the 4-mg group, a significant difference between the laser and 4-mg group was sustained at three years. However, the authors say steroid injections are unwarranted at this time due adverse effects, including cataract formation and glaucoma.