Comparison of changes in number of hyperreflective dots after intravitreal ranibizumab or dexamethasone implant in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion.

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the effect of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) or intravitreal dexamethasone implants (IVD) on the regression of hyperreflective dots (HRDs) in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

Materials and methods: Thirty-seven eyes with cystoid macular edema who received IVR or IVD and followed up for at least 12 months were included in this study. The patients were divided into three Groups according to intravitreal treatments. Group 1 consisted of 12 eyes who received only IVD, Group 2 consisted of 10 eyes who received only IVR, and Group 3 consisted of 15 eyes who received both IVD and IVR. The number of HRDs and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were compared between the Groups through the follow-up time.

Results: The mean number of HRDs in inner and outer retinal layers was significantly decreased in Group 1 and Group 3 (For Group 1; P < 0.001, P = 0.001, for Group 3; P < 0.001, P < 0.001). At the 1^st year, the number of HRDs in inner and outer retinal layers was significantly lower in Group 1 and Group 3 than Group 2 (All P < 0.05). The BCVA was higher in Group 3 than Group 2 at 1^st year (P = 0.048).

Conclusion: The HRDs should be considered inflammatory markers in the follow-up of CME in BRVO.