Comparison of natural course, intravitreal triamcinolone, and intravitreal bevacizumab for treatment of macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the natural course of the eyes with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and to compare the visual outcome and macular thickness with eyes treated with intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) and intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (IVB).

METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of the patients with macular edema secondary to BRVO who were followed over 12 months. We evaluated the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) of the patients who have had no treatment for macular edema (natural course group) and compared the BCVA and CMT of the patients who had been treated with IVTA or IVB.

RESULTS: BCVA and CMT of the natural course group improved in a slow, but steady manner. The IVTA and the IVB group showed temporary improvement after injection, but macular edema recurred and there was no significant difference in the visual outcome and macular thickness after 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS: Although IVTA and IVB were effective to decrease the macular edema at 1 month after the injection in BRVO. BCVA and CMT of the natural course group were not inferior to both the IVTA and the IVB groups at 12 months.