Dropless Pars Plana Vitrectomy Using Intravitreal Decanted Triamcinolone and Moxifloxacin: Safety and Efficacy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a dropless regimen using intravitreal decanted triamcinolone acetonide and moxifloxacin at the conclusion of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), compared with standard postoperative topical therapy. METHODS: This retrospective study included consecutive patients undergoing PPV at a tertiary retina center. The dropless cohort (May-October 2025) received intravitreal decanted triamcinolone (5 mg) and moxifloxacin (500 μg). The control cohort, operated during the preceding 6 months, received topical moxifloxacin 0.5% and prednisolone acetate 1%. Outcomes included intraocular inflammation, intraocular pressure (IOP), central subfield thickness (CST), cystoid macular edema (CME), and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). A prespecified subgroup analysis was performed for epiretinal membrane (ERM). RESULTS: 172 eyes were included (87 dropless, 85 topical). The dropless group demonstrated significantly less anterior chamber inflammation at week 2 (P = 0.0008) and at month 3 (P = 0.0223). Mean CST was lower at week 2 (P = 0.001), month 3 (P = 0.0009), and month 6 (P = 0.012). CME incidence was reduced (P < 0.001). BCVA improvement was greater in the dropless group at week 2 (+15 vs -2.5 ETDRS letters; P = 0.0003), month 3 (+25 vs +9.5 letters; P = 0.002), and month 6 (+20 vs +8 letters; P = 0.01). IOP was similar between groups, and no endophthalmitis occurred. Findings were consistent in the ERM subgroup. CONCLUSION: A dropless intravitreal regimen at the conclusion of PPV can be a safe and effective alternative to topical therapy, with reduced postoperative inflammation and CME and improved visual outcomes.