Eylea and Lucentis for Macular Edema in Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

One hundred and ten patients with macular edema (ME) secondary to BRVO are randomized (1:1) to treatment with intravitreal injections of aflibercept or ranibizumab. An initial loading dose of at least three monthly injections is given in the study eye until the ME is resolved. Then patients are observed at regular intervals, initially every four weeks until study completion. Total follow-up time is nine months from baseline to completion. If ME recurs, patients are treated according to a treat-and-extend algorithm.

At every visit, visual acuity (VA) is measured with an ETDRS chart at 4 m. The fundus is examined by indirect ophthalmoscopy and by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Macular ischemia is evaluated with OCT angiography (OCT-A), visual field status with computerised perimetry and retinal sensitivity with microperimetry. Choroidal thickness is evaluated with enhanced depth imaging (EDI) OCT. Vision related quality of life (QoL) with NEI VFQ25.

Inclusion criteria

• BRVO naïve patients, disease duration 1-6 months, BCVA 23-73 ETDRS letters (20/40-20/320), macula edema with intraretinal cysts and CRT > 300 micrometers (Cirrus)

Exclusion criteria

• BRVO with neovascular component, intraocular surgery during the previous 3 months, earlier vitreoretinal surgery, vascular retinopathy of other cause, intraocular infection/inflammation, myocardial infarction och cerebrovascular stroke during the last 3 months.