Combined Treatment with Intravitreal Bevacizumab and Intravitreal Triamcinolone in Retinal Vein Occlusion in Indian Eyes

Abstract

Purpose: To study therapeutic efficacy of combination of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide and intravitreal bevacizumab for treatment of macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Method: This prospective interventional study included 20 eyes of 20 patients with fresh retinal vein occlusion (RVO) of less than three months duration. Treatment involved intravitreal injection with 1.25 mg bevacizumab and 1mg triamcinolone acetonide. Result: The mean age of patients was 63.81 years. There were 10 patients each of BRVO and CRVO. Both groups showed significant improvement in mean baseline visual acuity, however BRVO patients fared better than CRVO patients at all visits. Mean baseline central macular thickness (CMT) in BRVO and CRVO patients was 381.70 microns, and 572.50 microns, respectively with mean reduction of 131.40 and 182.1 microns, respectively. This reduction was significant at all visits during the course of the follow-up. Rise in intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥ 21 mm Hg was found in 5 BRVO and 4 CRVO patients. Cataract development and progression was found 2 BRVO and 1 CRVO patient. There was no case of retinal detachment or endophthalmitis. Conclusion: Combined treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab and intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide causes structural and functional improvement in form of reduction of macular edema and improvement in visual acuity in eyes with both BRVO and CRVO.