12.
Triamcinolone or anti-VEGF in DME – Debate
Stefan Mennel (Marburg)
Intravitreal triamcinolone has been extensively proven as an effective treatment for diabetic
macular edema. In most cases the effect is limited to a period of three to six months and complications
such as secondary cataract formation and increase of intraocular pressure have
been observed in up to 50 % of cases.
Anti-VEGF effectively decreases retinal thickness in case of exudative age-related macular
degeneration. Case series as well as preliminary results of two prospective randomized clinical
trials using Macugen™ and Lucentis™ have shown positive effects in the treatment of diabetic
macular edema. Nevertheless the reduction of retinal thickness is limited in many cases.
Despite a higher frequence of application (four to six week interval) anti-VEGF present a lower
incidence of complications.
In the following debate two experts, Prof. Dr. Nicole Eter and Prof. Dr. Hans Hoerauf, will discuss about the treatment of
diabetic macular edema. Eter will defend the use of new anti-VEGF drugs while Hoerauf will present the
benefits of triamcinolone.