Published date: Sep 16 2024

Journal Title: Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research

Issue title: July–Sep 2024, Volume 19, Issue 3

Pages: 324–333

DOI: 10.18502/jovr.v19i3.13531

Catarina Cunha Ferreira - catarina.ferreira@chvng.min-saude.pt - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4356-9112

Ricardo Machado Soares - ricardo.machado.soares@chvng.min-saude.pt - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2998-6251

Joana Fernandes - joana.silva.fernandes@chvng.min-saude.pt - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0373-9535

Sofia Teixeira - ana.cunha.teixeira@chvng.min-saude.pt - https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1116-7474

Eduardo Saraiva - eduardo.saraiva@chvng.min-saude.pt

Lígia Ribeiro - ligia.ribeiro@chvng.min-saude.pt - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6588-2097

Sofia Fonseca - ana.sofia.fonseca@chvng.min-saude.pt - https://orcid.org/

Luís Silva - lsilva@chvng.min-saude.pt - https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8228-7886

Filipe Sousa-Neves - ftvsneves@hotmail.com - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9976-7767

Purpose: This study aimed to identify predictive factors for the improvement of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and reduction of central macular thickness (CMT) after treatment of macular edema (ME) due to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) in a real-world setting.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients with ME secondary to BRVO who were treated with intravitreal injection of bevacizumab as the first-line therapy and were followed up for 12 months. Demographic and clinical data, in addition to baseline spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) features, were considered as possible biomarkers of final BCVA and CMT. We also collected the data concerning the need for additional treatment including sectorial laser photocoagulation, change to another anti-VEGF agent, or intravitreal corticosteroid injection.

Results: A total of 161 eyes were analyzed. BCVA significantly improved from baseline to 12- month follow-up (0.6 and 0.4 logMAR, respectively; P < 0.01). CMT decreased significantly during the follow-up period (from 498.0 to 325.0 μm; P < 0.01). Final BCVA correlated positively with baseline BCVA (P < 0.01, r = 0.57). Older age at diagnosis and baseline SD-OCT findings including CMT, disruption of the retinal inner layers, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) damage, and impairment of the ellipsoid zone and external limiting membrane negatively affected final BCVA (P < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis identified age and BCVA at baseline as the only independent predictors of final BCVA (P = 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). No association was found between clinical data, SD-OCT parameters, and final CMT.

Conclusion: Various clinical and SD-OCT parameters are prognostically relevant for visual improvement in ME secondary to BRVO. Age at diagnosis and baseline BCVA were found to be independent predictors of visual outcome.

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