RESPONSE OF RETINAL SENSITIVITY TO RANIBIZUMAB TREATMENT OF MACULAR EDEMA AFTER ACUTE BRANCH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION

Purpose: To evaluate microperimetry changes in patients with acute macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion during a follow-up period of 12 months with intravitreal ranibizumab treatment (Lucentis; Novartis). Methods: Patients with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion received an intravitreous injection of 0.5 mg of ranibizumab (0.05 mL). Best-corrected visual acuity, Spectralis OCT (Heidelberg Engineering), and color fundus photography were performed at monthly intervals over a follow-up period of 1 year. Macular function was documented by microperimetry (Nidek, MP-1) at baseline, 3, and 12 months. Results: Data of 20 patients without lack of microperimetry results were included to the statistical analyses. The size of the area of absolute scotoma was reduced from 16% at baseline to 11.7% at Month 3 and remained stable in the entire study duration (P > 0.05). Mean differential light threshold improved significantly under therapy from 9.47 dB at baseline to 12.53 dB at 12 months (P < 0.001). Best-corrected visual acuity correlated significantly with central millimeter thickness and mean retinal sensitivity at baseline and at 12-month follow-up visits. Conclusion: In addition to anatomical restoration and increased visual acuity, intravitreal ranibizumab also improved the central macular function in patients with acute macular edema after branch retinal vein occlusion.