Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant versus Intravitreal Ranibizumab for the Treatment of Macular Edema Secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion in a Chinese Population.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work was to compare the efficacy of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) and intravitreal ranibizumab (Lucentis) in the treatment of macular edema (ME) caused by retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

METHODS: Thirty-two ME cases treated with Ozurdex and 32 ME cases treated with ranibizumab were enrolled, with 26 central (C)RVO and 6 branch (B)RVO subjects in each group. We compared the results of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness, number of injections, and intraocular pressure (IOP) at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after injection.

RESULTS: BCVA in both groups at each follow-up were significantly increased compared to baseline with no statistical difference between the groups. Ozurdex and ranibizumab successfully reduced CMT at each follow-up. Both CRVO and BRVO patients had significant between-group differences in the mean number of injections. Among the CRVO patients, IOP in the Ozurdex group was significantly increased compared to baseline and the ranibizumab group at 1, 2, and 3 months postinjection.

CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal injection of Ozurdex and ranibizumab can effectively control ME secondary to RVO and increase a patient's BCVA. The advantages of Ozurdex are fewer injections and longer efficacy, while the advantages of ranibizumab include fewer side effects.