A comparison of the effect of intravitreal dexamethasone implant on macular and branch retinal vein occlusion. A real life experience

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effects of intravitreal dexamethasone (IVDx) implants on branch retinal vein occlusions (BRVOs) and macular vein occlusions (MVOs). Methods: Seventeen consecutive patients with MVO and 18 patients with BRVO, whose foveal thicknesses were greater than 300 µm, were recruited for this study. BRVO and MVO patients were diagnosed by means of fundus fluorescein angiography. Patients were treatment-naive. Initially, each patient in both the BRVO and MVO groups received an IVDx implant, and then a pro re nata IVDx regimen was initiated. Primary outcomes included VA gain, intraocular pressure (IOP) changes, macular ischemia, central macular thickness, retinal neovascularization, and number of IVDx injections. Follow-up time was 12 months. Results: The MVO group initially had significantly lower central macular thickness and a lower percentage of macular ischemia and systemic hypertension than those in the BRVO group (p = 0.001, 0.045, and 0.010, respectively). There was a statistically significant VA gain in both groups (p