Introduction. Macular edema is the main cause of visual loss in patients with
branch retinal vein occlusion. Macular edema is initially reversible, but
over time, permanent loss of vision occurs from structural damage to the
macula. For this reason, there is a need for more rapid and effective
treatments than laser photocoagulation which has been established as a gold
standard. There are several pharmacologic agents which have changed the
management of macular edema. Material and Methods. Twenty eyes of 20
consecutive patients of the Department of Eye Diseases, Clinical Center of
Vojvodina, in Novi Sad, were enrolled in this prospective, randomized and
consecutive study conducted from January 2012 to January 2013. The patients
were randomly assigned into two treatment groups, and they were given an
intravitreal injection of bevacizumab 1.25 mg/0.05 mL (Avastin?), or
triamcinolone acetonid injection 4 mg/0.1mL (Kenalog?). Reinjections were
performed according to the following retreatment criteria a loss of visual
acuity or increase in central retinal thickness. Results. Both intravitreal
bevacizumab and triamcinolonacetonid were very effective in reducing macular
edema and improving visual acuity in the eyes with macular edema secondary to
retinal vein occlusion. The effect of the treatment was more pronounced if it
started early after the onset of macular edema. The reported temporary
effects of intravitreal triamcinolon- acetonide and bevacizumab could be
explained by their clearance from the eye. Conclusion. The short-term results
of our clinical trial showed that pharmacological intravitreal agents, such
as bevacizumab and triamcinolon-acetonid, lead to rapid resolution of macular
edema and significant improvement of visual acuity.
Comparison of the efficacy of intravitreal Bevacizumab and Dexamethasone implant in patients with macular edema by branch retinal vein occlusion according to macular perfusion type
