Intravitreal Injections for Macular Edema Secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion: Long-Term Functional and Anatomic Outcomes.

PURPOSE

To report the long-term visual and anatomic outcomes of intravitreal injections for macular edema (ME) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in a real-life clinical setting.

DESIGN

Retrospective interventional case series.

METHODS

A total of 223 consecutive eyes with ME secondary to RVO, treated with the first three intravitreal Ranibizumab or dexamethasone injections between August 2008 and September 2018, were enrolled in the study. Subsequent retreatment was guided by best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) measurements, aimed at achieving macular fluid regression and BCVA stability. BCVA and CMT were recorded at baseline and at subsequent annual time points. The mean number of injections administered each year and the incidence of adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

The mean BCVA and CMT at baseline were 0.79 logMar (SD 0.71) and 615.7 m (SD 257.5), respectively. The mean follow-up (FU) period was 47.8 months (min 12-max 120). At 12 months, the mean BCVA and CMT had significantly improved to 0.62 logMar (SD 0.68; < 0.0001) and 401.04 m (SD 257.5), respectively. The mean follow-up (FU) period was 47.8 months (min 12-max 120). At 12 months, the mean BCVA and CMT had significantly improved to 0.62 logMar (SD 0.68; < 0.0001) and 401.04 .

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal Ranibizumab and/or dexamethasone injections were found to be effective at inducing a long-lasting improvement of BCVA and CMT in a real-life clinical setting. A safety profile similar to that already well-established in Ranibizumab and dexamethasone treatment was observed, as well as a steady decrease in the number of intraocular injections required. The results support intravitreal treatments for BRVO and CRVO in patient populations with similar characteristics in similar settings.