Real-World Anatomical Outcomes of Suprachoroidal Triamcinolone Acetonide Injections in a Large Retinal Practice over a 4-Year Period

Abstract

Purpose:

To evaluate the clinical role, durability, anatomical response, and safety for suprachoroidal triamcinolone acetonide (SCTA) (Xipere) in routine clinical practice.

Methods:

Data were manually extracted from health records at a high-volume retina practice in Cleveland, Ohio. All patients with noninfectious inflammatory macular edema undergoing SCTA (≥1 billing code) between October 25, 2021, and July 17, 2025, were included. Patients with known systemic autoimmune or infectious associations were excluded. Unique eyes were defined by MRN + laterality, with “OU” entries split into OD/OS. Patient demographics, underlying diagnosis categorization, time between first and second injection (for eyes with ≥2 injections) were summarized. Pre- versus post-treatment central retinal thickness (CRT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were compared via paired t-tests.

Results:

A total of 177 patients (195 eyes) received 340 SCTA injections for macular edema associated with an underlying diagnosis of intermediate uveitis (10%), pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (31%), and posterior uveitis (59%). The time between first and second injection was approximately 5 months [SD ± 72.5; median 144 (min 35, max 427)]. From baseline to follow-up, mean CRT decreased by 103 µm [95% CI: (−122,−83.2), P < 0.001], while IOP increased minimally [mean difference 0.7 mmHg, 95% CI: (−0.02, 1.43), P = 0.057]; and was medically managed when elevated.

Conclusions:

In this real-world cohort, findings suggest that SCTA achieves robust anatomical improvement, a favorable IOP profile, and prolonged durability across patients with inflammation-related macular edema.