2M.D. Associate Professor, Ulucanlar Eye Training and Reseach Hospital, Ankara/TURKEY
3M.D. Istinye State Hospital, Eye Clinic, Istinye-ISTANBUL/TURKEY Purpose: This study aimed to determine visual prognosis during the follow up period and investigate efficacy of treatment modalities in branch retinal vein occlusions.
Material and Methods: the records of 78 patients with macular edema due to BRVO, treated with 4 mg intravitreal triamcinolone (IVTA), 1.25 mg intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB), macular grid laser photocoagulation (MGL), peripheral regional laser photocoagulation (RL) were retrospectively evaluated. The visual acuity levels (snellen line) and central foveal thicknes (CFT) measurements recorded at 3rd, 6th and 12th months after the treatment were compared with the initial levels.
Results: At 3rd months, in the mean BCVA was observed significant improving in patients treated with intravitreal TA, MGL and combined with intravitreal TA and MGL (respectively p=0.03, p=0.02 and p<0.005). A significant reduction of the mean CFT was observed only in treated with combine IVTA and MGL (p=0.02). At 6h months, the mean BCVA improved and the mean CFT only in patients treated with IVB treatment (respectively p=0.04 and p=0.02). At 12th months, the mean BCVA did not improve significantly in any treatment, although the mean CFT decreased significantly in patients treated with IVB (p=0.02).
Conclusion: IVTA, IVTA combined with MGL photocoagulation and IVB provides a significant functional and anatomic improvement in macular edema due to BRVO. Different treatment modalities should be consider in patients with unresponsive or insufficient for current treatment. Keywords : Branch retinal vein occlusion, macular edema, intravitreal injection
