A Cochrane review included 7 studies with a total of 632 diabetic macular edema (DME) eyes. 4 studies examined the effectiveness of intravitreal triamcinolone acetate injection (IVTA), 3 examined intravitreal steroids implantation (fluocinolone acetonide implant (FAI) or dexamethasone drug delivery system (DDS)). The preponderance of data suggest a beneficial effect from IVTA. The average improvement in visual acuity was 7.5 letters more (-0.15 LogMAR; 95% CI -0.21 to -0.09; 3 studies) in the IVTA treated eyes than in those treated with other therapies at three months, 11.5 letters more (-0.23 LogMAR; 95% CI -0.33 to -0.13; 2 studies) at six months, 14.5 letters more (-0.29 LogMAR; 95% CI -0.47 to -0.11; 1 study) at nine months, and 5.7 letters more (-0.11 LogMAR; 95% CI -0.20 to -0.03; 1 study) at 24 months. Improved clinical outcomes were also reported in FAI and dexamethasone DDS trials. The studies focused on chronic or refractory DME and it is not known whether intravitreal steroids therapy could be of value in other stages of DME, especially the earlier stages either as standalone therapy or in combination with other therapies, such as laser photocoagulation. Increased intraocular pressure and cataract formation were side effects requiring monitoring and management.