Intravitreal bevacizumab for macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab on the visual and anatomical outcome in eyes with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion. METHODS A retrospective, consecutive case series identified 53 consecutive patients with a branch retinal vein occlusion treated with intravitreal bevacizumab. Clinical variables were analyzed, including best-corrected visual acuity, angiographic characteristics, central foveal thickness, and complications. RESULTS Fifty-three eyes were identified with a mean initial best-corrected visual acuity of 20/137 and final best-corrected visual acuity of 20/96 (P = 0.05). The mean final line change was +1.6 lines (95% confidence interval, +0.7 to +2.3; +8 letters [95% confidence interval, +3.5 to 11.5]). At final follow-up, 28% gained ≥ 3 lines, whereas a loss of >3 lines was seen in 6% of eyes. The mean initial central foveal thickness of 425 μm decreased to 289 μm (P < 0.001). Mean number of injections was 2.5, and mean follow-up was 9 months. Eyes treated for ≤ 6 months after the onset of branch retinal vein occlusion showed improved functional outcomes (e.g., final best-corrected visual acuity, mean line change) as compared with those treated with >6 months of symptoms (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Intravitreal bevacizumab appears to be an effective treatment for macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion in many subjects. Eyes treated with intravitreal bevacizumab showed a significant reduction in central foveal thickness and improvement in visual acuity. Early treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab resulted in a greater improvement in visual acuity compared with delayed treatment.