Short-Term Outcome of Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant for Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate short-term outcomes of intavitreal dexamethasone implant in macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods: A retrospective review of medical records was performed for 24 patients (24 eyes) who were diagnosed with macular edema secondary to BRVO. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) were measured before the injection and at 1 and 3 months after the injection. The values measured before and after the treatment were compared. In addition, the association between duration of symptoms and 3-month changes in BCVA was evaluated. Results: In 24 eyes, the logarithm of minimal angle of resolution BCVA before the injection and 1 and 3 months after the injection was 0.56 ± 0.25, 0.42 ± 0.26 and 0.45 ± 0.27, respectively. The CFT was 550.2 ± 116.5 μm, 270.3 ± 101.5 μm, and 356.6 ± 173.7 μm, respectively. When compared with the baseline values, the BCVA at 3 months was significantly improved (p = 0.018) and the CFT was significantly decreased (p < 0.001). There was a significant negative association between the duration of symptoms and 3-month changes in BCVA (p = 0.032, r = -0.375). Elevated intraocular pressure was observed in 3 eyes (12.5%). Conclusions: Intravitreal dexamethasone implant was found effective in treating macular edema secondary to BRVO. However, rebound macular edema and deterioration in visual acuity after 1 month suggest further studies with longer follow-ups are necessary. J Korean Ophthalmol Soc 2015;56(1):39-46