Intravitreal Bevacizumab for Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion-A Short-Term Result

Purpose: To evaluate the short-term safety and efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab for the management of macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods: A retrospective, non-comparative, consecutive, interventional case series of twenty-four eyes from 24 patients. Patients received repeated intravitreal injections of 2.5 mg bevacizumab. Main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) in a minimum follow-up of 3 months. Results: Patients presented at a mean age of 59.8 years (range 40-75). Mean duration of symptoms was 14 weeks (range 2-56), and mean follow-up period was 10.1 months (range 3-30). Mean (SD) BCVA at baseline was 1.17 (±0.51) logMAR, improving to 0.62 (±0.53) logMAR at the last follow-up (p＜0.01). Mean (SD) CRT at baseline was 439 (±112)μm, declining to 246 (±106)μm at the last follow-up (p＜0.01). No increased intraocular pressure, retinal tear, vitreous hemorrhage or endophthalmitis was noted during the follow-up period. Conclusions: Intravitreal injection of 2.5 mg bevacizumb appears to be an effective and safe treatment option for BRVO related macular edema. However, further studies are necessary to evaluate the long-term effect.