AIM:To compare the efficacy and safety of intravitreal ranibizumab to those of triamcinolone acetonide(TA)injection for the treatment of macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion(CRVO).

METHODS:This retrospective study included 40 eyes of 40 patients with macular edema associated with CRVO. Twenty patients 20 eyes were treated with intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide(1mg, 0.1mL), the other 20 patients 20 eyes accepted intravitreal ranibizumab(0.5mg, 0.05mL). The change of best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central macular thickness(CMT), and intraocular pressure(IOP)before treatment and at 1, 2wk, 1, 2,3,6mo post-injection in the two groups were observed.

RESULTS:BCVA was improved at 1, 2wk, 1, 2,3,6mo post-injection in the TA group(P<0.05)and ranibizumab group(P<0.05). No significant difference was found between the two groups(P>0.05). CMT decreased significantly within each group(P<0.05), and no significant difference between groups was found(P>0.05). In the TA group, the IOP was significantly higher at 2wk and 4wk than before treatment(P<0.05). In the ranibizumab group, no elevated IOP was observed at 1, 2wk, 1, 2,3,6mo(P>0.05). However, the IOP at 1mo was significantly higher in the TA group than that in the ranibizumb group(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:Intravitreal ranibizumab is an effective and safe treatment method for macular edema secondary to CRVO. It can effectively improve BCVA and reduce CMT without ocular and systemic complications compared with intravitreal TA.