Comparing Treatments for Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
Background
Macular edema (ME) is a common complication following branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and is a major cause of visual impairment. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of three treatments for ME secondary to BRVO: intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) monotherapy, dexamethasone implant (IDI) monotherapy, and a combination of IVR and IDI injections.
Methods
A total of 292 patients with unilateral ME secondary to BRVO were included in this study. They were randomly assigned to three groups and followed up for 12 months. Group 1 received IVR injections, group 2 received a combination of IVR and IDI injections, and group 3 received IDI injections. The study recorded and compared best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), complications, and frequency of injections between the three groups.
Results
Patients in all three groups showed improvement in BCVA and CRT reduction. The combination therapy (group 2) required fewer injections and had fewer complications compared to the other groups. However, group 3 had more frequent complications, particularly in patients who received repeated IDI injections.
Conclusion
All three treatment regimens were similarly effective in treating ME secondary to BRVO. The combination therapy showed an advantage in maintaining good effects with fewer reinjections and complications.
Trial Registration Information
The study was conducted in compliance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by Xi’an Aier Ancient City Eye Hospital, Xi’an Aier Eye Hospital, and Xianyang Aier Eye Hospital ethics committees (2022SF-367).
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