Retinal vein occlusion: follow-up and treatment results

Retinal vein occlusions (RVO) are the second most common vascular retinal pathology leading to visual loss. In this study, we investigated the risk factors, follow-up process and visual and anatomical success of the treatment options applied in patients diagnosed with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in our clinic. The records of RVO patients who were followed and treated in Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology between January 2017 and December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. 144 patients were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, pre-treatment and post- treatment examination and OCT findings were recorded. Visual prognosis, anatomical success and complications were evaluated according to RVO subtypes and treatment modalities. In our study, no significant increase in visual acuity was detected in the dexamethasone and anti-VEGF group in CRVO patients compared to baseline. In BRVO patients, there was a significant increase in visual acuity and a significant decrease in central retinal thickness in both injection groups; however, the injection type were not superior to each other. At the end of 12-month follow-up, the number of injections required after the initial mandatory 3-dose intravitreal bevacizumab injection was similar between the groups in CRVO patients, but significantly less in the anti-VEGF group in BRVO patients. The development or progression of glaucoma in BRVO patients was more frequent in the dexamethasone-treated group, but anatomical and visual improvement was similar in both injection groups. The prognosis of RVO varies according to the accompanying risk factors and the subtype of RVO. Therefore, intravitreal anti-VEGF and dexamethasone treatment of macular edema secondary to RVO provides variable success in subgroups. Key Words: CRVO, BRVO, Anti-VEGF, Dexamethasone, RVO