AIM:To compare the efficacy of one initial intravitreal Conbercept injection(IVR)followed by pro re nata(PRN)dosing with that of three initial monthly IVR followed by PRN dosing in patients with macular edema(ME)after branch retinal vein occlusion(BRVO).

METHODS: The clinical data of 35 cases were retrospectively analyzed; 20 received one initial IVR injection(1+PRN group)and 15 cases received 3-monthly IVRs(3+PRN). Both groups were followed monthly for 12mo. The best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and the macular central retinal thickness(CMT)on optical coherence tomography were evaluated before and after treatment, and the BCVA results were converted to the LogMAR visual acuity.

RESULTS: The mean LogMAR BCVA and CMT, respectively, improved from 0.58±0.21 to 0.34±0.18 and from 561±65μm to 252±69μm in the “1+PRN” group(P<0.05)and from 0.64±0.21 to 0.29±0.13 and from 585±87μm to 242±56μm in the “3+PRN” group(P>0.05). During the study period, the mean total number of injections was significantly smaller in the “1+PRN” group than in the “3+PRN” group(2.3±1.2 and 4.1±1.1, respectively, P<0.05). No serious complications related to the IVB injections developed in either group.

CONCLUSION: The two methods are both safe and effective for the treatment of BRVO combined with ME.