PERIPHERAL ISCHEMIC RETINAL PHOTOCOAGULATION IN ADDITION TO INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB VERSUS INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB ALONE FOR THE TREATMENT OF MACULAR EDEMA SECONDARY TO CENTRAL RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION: A Randomized Double-Masked Controlled Clinical Trial

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of peripheral ischemic retinal photocoagulation in addition to intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) in the treatment of macular edema due to ischemic central retinal vein occlusion. METHODS: Forty-eight eyes of 48 treatment-naive patients were randomly selected and divided into 2 groups. Group A comprised 24 eyes that were treated with three consecutive monthly injections of IVB, and Group B comprised 24 eyes that were treated with IVB plus photocoagulation of the peripheral nonperfused retina. Further IVB injections were administered as needed in both groups. Monthly follow-up was conducted for 9 months after the first injection. RESULTS: The data of 46 patients were analyzed. Best-corrected visual acuity changes from the fourth to eighth month follow-up in comparison with the baseline were significantly higher in Group B (P = 0.002-0.044-0.002-0.002-0.012). In addition, significant differences were observed in central macular thickness in Group B throughout the study period (all P < 0.001). Group B required less frequent IVB injections during the 9-month study period. CONCLUSION: Photocoagulation of the retinal nonperfused area in patients with macular edema because of central retinal vein occlusion might amplify the beneficial effects of IVB on best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness and reduce the frequency of IVB injection.