Diabetic macular edema (DME) remains an important worldwide cause of visual loss. Corticosteroids have a role in the treatment of some patients with advanced or recurrent DME. The best studied steroids for this indication are triamcinolone acetonide, dexamethasone, and fluocinolone acetonide. All steroids are associated with risks of cataract and intraocular pressure elevation. In addition, intravitreal injection of any medication is associated with risks of infectious endophthalmitis, which has led to the investigation of various extended-release steroid implants. At this time, no steroid is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of DME.
Keywords: Diabetic macular edema; dexamethasone; fluocinolone acetonide; randomized clinical trial; triamcinolone acetonide.