Intravitreal Steroid Injections in Macular Edema due to Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
Retinal vein occlusion is the most common retinal vascular disease after diabetic retinopathy. An occlusion that affects the entire retinal venous system at the level of the lamina cribrosa is called central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). One of the major complications that threaten visual acuity in CRVO patients is macular edema. Intravitreal dexamethasone implant is widely used in the treatment of macular edema. Efficacy has been shown in terms of short-term edema resolution and increased visual acuity. It seems that the effect on the macula decreases on average in the third month. It is a good option for patients who need to reduce the number of visits. There is no additional side effect except an increase in the incidence of cataracts with recurrent injections. Increasing of intraocular pressure appears to be a tolerable side effect. Their activities are reduced when they are done every six months or when the initial application period is long. Intravitreal steroid treatment is an effective alternative for macular edema secondary to CRVO.