Combined Low Dose Bevacizumab-triamcinolone versus Bevacizumab Single Intravitreal Injection for Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

Abstract

Purpose: To report the effects of combined low dose bevacizumab and low dose triamcinolone intravitreal injection compared with single bevacizumab intravitreal injection in patients with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion. Methods: Thirty eyes of 30 patients diagnosed with branch retinal vein occlusion were evaluated. The combined injection group (15 eyes of 15 patients) was treated with intravitreal injection of combined low dose bevacizumab (0.625 mg/0.025 mL) and low dose triamcinolone (1 mg/0.025 mL). The single injection group (15 eyes of 15 patients) was treated with intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 mL). The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and intraocular pressure (IOP) of treated eyes were measured before injection and at 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after injection. Results: In the combined injection group, the BCVA increased significantly at 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after injection (p < 0.05). However, in the single injection group, the BCVA increased significantly only at 3 months after injection (p < 0.05). In both groups, the CMT decreased significantly at 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after injection (p < 0.05). The IOP showed no significant change at 3 months after injection (p > 0.05) in both groups. The BCVA, CMT, and IOP after injection showed no significant differences between the combined injection group and the single injection group (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The combined intravitreal injection of low dose bevacizumab and low dose triamcinolone may be useful and safe for the treatment of macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion.