AIM: To analyze the effect of argon laser photocoagulation in the treatment of macular edema related to branch retinal vein occlusion(BRVO)with optical coherence tomography(OCT).

METHODS: Consecutive retrospective analysis of visual acuity(VA)and OCT from eyes treated with grid macular photocoagulation for BRVO-related macular edema were performed. Examed VA and central retinal thickness(CRT)before and after treating 1 month, 2, 3 and 6 months respectively were examined. Analysis of variance was used to compare pre- and post-treatment VA and CRT.

RESULTS: The macular retinal thickness was 352.3μm before photocoagulation. Within 6 months from symptom onset, 12 eyes had better visual acuity and less CRT than before photocoagulation.

CONCLUSION: OCT is able to quantify the development and resolution of macular edema secondary to BRVO. It is a useful and non-injury tool to analyze the effect of photocoagulation.