Comparative study of combined bevacizumab/targeted photocoagulation vs bevacizumab alone for macular oedema in ischaemic branch retinal vein occlusions

PurposeTo investigate whether targeted retinal photocoagulation (TRP) of peripheral non-perfused areas (NPAs) could prevent the recurrence of macular oedema (ME) due to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) after intravitreal bevacizumab injection (IVB). MethodsEyes received 1.25mg IVB only (IVB group) or combined with TRP (IVB+TRP group) of NPAs, more than 5 disc areas identified by fluorescein angiography in the patients with ME secondary to BRVO. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) determined by optical coherence tomography were measured every month for 6months. ResultsThirty-eight patients were enrolled and randomized to IVB group (n=19) and IVB+TRP group (n=19). Both groups showed similar thinning in CRT at 1week after IVB, IVB+TRP group maintained thinner retina at 2 (p=0.0072) and 3 (p=0.0086) months compared with IVB group in whom turned to thickened almost back to baseline at 3months. The number of reinjections in IVB group (1.580.69) was significantly greater (p=0.0025) than that in IVB+TRP group (0.83 +/- 0.62). BCVA significantly improved at 6month in IVB+TRP group (p=0.015), but not in IVB group. ConclusionTRP of NPAs reduced the amount of ME recurrence following IVB compared to IVB alone.