Early results of dexamethasone implant, ranibizumab, and triamcinolone in macular edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the short-term results of the efficacy and safety of dexamethasone intravitreal implant (DEX), ranibizumab (RAN), and intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) in macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods: One eye each of 32 patients who were treated with intravitreal injections for macular edema secondary to BRVO was studied. This retrospective study included 3 groups. The patients received DEX in group 1 (n = 11), RAN in group 2 (n = 11), and IVTA in group 3 (n = 10). Data were collected before and after the injections at the first and third months. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and intraocular pressure (IOP) were analyzed statistically. Results: The median duration of the follow-up was 3.0 months in overall groups. The BCVA increased significantly in all groups (p = 0.018, p = 0.034, p = 0.014, respectively). The CMT increased significantly in groups 1 and 3 (p = 0.02, p<0.001, respectively), but not in group 2 (p = 0.14). The IOP increased significantly in groups 1 and 3 (p = 0.05, p<0.001, respectively). Antiglaucomatous treatment was required only in group 3. Cataract developed in 2 patients (20%) in group 3 and surgery was required. Conclusions: Although RAN was the safest among the 3 agents, DEX and IVTA reduced CMT more than RAN, while significant improvement was achieved in BCVA in all groups. All 3 agents can be effectively used in the treatment of macular edema due to BRVO.