AIM:To evaluate the effect of Ranibizumab(lucentis)combined with macular grid pattern photocoagulation in the treatment of macular edema caused by branch retinal vein occlusion(BRVO).

METHODS:Forty-two patients(42 eyes)diagnosed as macular edema caused by BRVO by fundus fluorescence angiography(FFA)and optical coherence tomography(OCT)were enrolled. The patients were randomized divided into two groups:group 1(combined therapy group)received lucentis intravitreal injection combined with macular grid pattern photocoagulation; group 2(photocoagulation therapy group)received macular grid pattern photocoagulation only. The best corrected visual activity(BCVA), central macular thickness(CMT)and complications were compared between the two groups at 1, 3 and 6mo after treatments.

RESULTS:Compared to before treatments, at 1, 3 and 6mo after treatments:the changes of BCVA and CMT were significant different in group 1(P<0. 05). Compared with before treatments, at 1mo after treatments:changes of BCVA and CMT had no significant differences in group 2(P>0. 05); but at 3 and 6mo after treatments:BCVA and CMT improved gradually and the differences were significant in group 2(P<0. 05).The changes of BCVA and CMT between the two groups were statistically significant at 1, 3 and 6mo after treatments(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:Ranibizumab intravitreal injection combined with macular grid pattern photocoagulation therapy can effectively reduce macular edema caused by BRVO, improve vision acuity. Compared with macular grid pattern photocoagulation therapy, combination therapy works more quickly, and reduces macular edema more.