MACULAR SENSITIVITY CHANGE AFTER COMPLEMENTARY LASER THERAPY AFTER RANIBIZUMAB INTRAVITREAL INJECTION IN BRANCH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION

Abstract

Purpose: We examined the effect of ranibizumab with or without laser photocoagulation on retinal sensitivity in eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion. Methods: Prospective randomized control study. Thirty patients with branch retinal vein occlusion received intravitreal injection of ranibizumab in a monthly pro re nata regimen. Fifteen patients received ranibizumab monotherapy alone (monotherapy group). The remaining 15 patients received rescue laser therapy at 3 or 9 months (combined group). The retinal sensitivity was measured at 32 points within central 8°, and the average of the main occlusion side among the 16 upper or 16 lower points was defined as the affected area sensitivity. Results: In comparing the monotherapy group and the combined group, the number of injections during the 12 months was 5.4 versus 4.9, the change in retinal thickness (µm) was −254 versus −197, the ETDRS letters of improvement was +18.3 versus +19.6, and the change in the affected area sensitivity (dB) was +7.1 versus +4.6. At 12 months, all these results were significantly improved compared with their respective baselines, but none of the differences between the two groups reached statistical significance. Conclusion: Retinal sensitivity at 12 months improved in both the monotherapy group and the combined group. The additional laser did not reduce the number of injections or further improve visual acuity nor did it affect retinal sensitivity.