Comparative evaluation between ranibizumab combined with laser and bevacizumab combined with laser versus laser alone for macular oedema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion.

Purpose: To evaluate the anatomical and functional efficacy of combination therapy of intravitreal ranibizumab with laser or intravitreal bevacizumab with laser treatment compared to only laser treatment for macular edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

Materials And Methods: Thirty eyes of 30 patients with BRVO of at least 6 weeks duration were randomized into three groups: Group 1 received a single dose of intravitreal Ranibizumab followed by grid laser treatment, Group 2 received a single dose of intravitreal Bevacizumab followed by grid laser treatment, and Group 3 received grid laser alone. Outcomes at 6 months follow-up were reported. Data were collected on best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), and gain in lines of Snellen acuity.

Results: At 6 month follow-up, the difference in the mean BCVA and CFT between the three treatment groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05, all comparisons). Six eyes (60%) in Group 1, four eyes (40%) in Group 2 and two eyes (20%) in Group 3 had a statistically significant gain of ≥3 lines of Snellen acuity (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Both ranibizumab and bevacizumab combined with laser photocoagulation, resulted in better outcomes than grid laser treatment.