Ranibiznmab Combined With Laser Photocoagulation For Treating Macular Edema Secondary To Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

Objectiv:To evaluate the clinical therapeutic efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab injection combined laser photocoagulation for macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion(BRVO). Method:Sixty confirmed cases(60eyes) with macular edema secondary to BRVO were diagnosed in the Ireland Eye Hospital, Tianjin between February 2014 and February 2015. They were randomized into two groups, and each group contained 30 eyes. The control group was received laser photocoagulation. The combined group was received three monthly intravitreal injection of ranibizumab(0.5mg/0.05ml), and a second therapy of laser photocoagulation after 1-2 wk of the first injection. The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), fundus fluorescein angiography(FFA) and the central macular thickness(CMT) preoperative by optical coherence tomography(OCT) were recorded before surgery. The follow-up period was 6 months. The changes of BCVA, FFA and OCT were evaluated at 1, 3, and 6mo after therapy. Results:The BCVA and the CMT had no differences between two groups pretherapy(P> 0.05). While BCVA was much better and CMT was reduced significantly posttherapy than pretherapy in two groups at 1, 2, 3, 6 month(P<0.05). The number of fluorescence leakage of two groups was significantly reduced form baseline. The mean number of fluorescence leakage was significantly fewer in the observation group than control group at 3 month(P <0.05). Conclusion:The intravitreal ranibizumab injection combined with laser photocoagulation is an effective and safe treatment for the macular edema secondary to BRVO. The effect of the combined treatment is better than that of laser photocoagulation alone on improving visual function and relieving the macular edema of patients in the short term.