# BLong-term results of branch retinal vein occlusion: 5-year follow-up

## TL;DR

This study shows that anti-VEGF treatment improves vision and eye health in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion over five years.

## Contribution

The study provides long-term 5-year follow-up data on BRVO treatment outcomes with anti-VEGF therapy.

## Key findings

- Mean visual acuity improved and macular thickness decreased over five years with anti-VEGF treatment.
- Patients receiving three initial loading doses had better vision and anatomical outcomes.
- The average time for vision to decline by three lines was over nine years.

## Abstract

This study aimed to report the 5-year outcomes of patients with newly diagnosed branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

A retrospective review of patient charts was conducted. Data on central macular thickness (CMT), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), photoreceptor integrity, number of intravitreal (IV) antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections administered, and treatment regimen were assessed.

Ninety-seven eyes from individual patients with a mean age of 70.90 ± 11.49 (38–92) were included. The mean BCVA improved, and the mean CMT decreased at all follow-up visits following treatment (p < 0.05). Thirty-two eyes (33%) gained 3 lines of BCVA at the five-year follow-up. The mean number of total IV anti-VEGF injections administered was 19 ± 13.35 (1–49) during the five-year period, and 27.83% of patients received rescue laser treatment. Fifty-four percent of eyes received three consecutive monthly loading doses of IV anti-VEGF injections. The mean change in BCVA in the loading dose (+) group was significantly greater than in the loading dose (−) group at 1-year and subsequent visits. The loading dose (+) group showed a significantly greater reduction in CMT compared to the loading dose (−) group. The mean estimated time for BCVA to decline by ≥3 lines was 117 ± 8.74 months (95% CI = 100.21–134.51)

Anti-VEGF treatment was effective in improving anatomical and functional outcomes in BRVO patients during long-term follow-up. Initial treatment with three loading doses of anti-VEGF resulted in greater vision gain and more pronounced anatomical improvement.