The Results of Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injections and Laser Photocoagulation for the Treatment of Macular Edema Secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab injections on macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion.
Study Design: Retrospective case series.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Retina, Beyoglu Eye Training and Research Hospital, between July 2012 and July 2013.
Methodology: Forty two eyes (22 CRVO and 20 BRVO) were included in this study. Follow up time was a year for all patients. All patients were newly diagnosed and 3 intravitreal bevacizumab injections are used monthly and additional injection is used as needed. Scatter laser photocoagulation is used after macular edema disappears in all patients. Macular thickness was measured via spectral-domain OCT at baseline, at month 6 and at month 12.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 52.4±16.2 years (range 22 – 74 years). The central macular thickness improved from 684±196 μm at baseline to 220 ± 102 μm at month 6 (p<0.001) and to 214±112 μm (p<0.001) at month 12. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at baseline improved from 1.0±0.4 logMAR to 0.6±0.4 logMAR (p<0.001) at month 12.
Conclusion: Intravitreal bevacizumab injection is effective to treatment of macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion. 3 monthly injections and as needed regimen is effective in one year follow up time.