Efficacy and safety of Pro Re Nata regimen without loading dose ranibizumab injections in retinal vein occlusion

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects and safety of intravitreal ranibizumab on visual acuity and anatomic results in the treatment of macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). METHODS Forty Six eyes of 45 patients who were administered intravitreal ranibizumab because of macular edema due to Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) were included in this retrospective clinical study. During monthly follow-up, the best corrected visual acuity values in terms of LogMAR with The Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart, central macular thickness (CMT), and complications were examined. Cases were classified as central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), superotemporal branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO), and inferotemporal BRVO. We only included RVO patients but using ETDRS chart for the vision measurement. RESULTS In all follow-up months, there was a significant increase in BCVA in all RVO cases and in superotemporal BRVO cases after the first injection of ranibizumab. Although there was no significant increase in the 1(st) month of follow-up period compared to pre-treatment, there was significant increase in 2-6 months in inferotemporal BRVO patients. There was no statistically significant increase in 1(st) and 2(nd) month follow-up periods compared to pre-treatment; however there was a significant increase in 3-6 months in the CRVO patients. There was a significant decrease in average CMT measurements in all follow-up months compared to pre-treatment in all RVO cases, in superotemporal and inferotemporal BRVO cases. There was no significant decrease in average CMT measurements in the 1(st), 2nd, and 3(rd) months compared to pre-treatment although there was a significant decrease in 4-6 months in cases included in the CRVO patients. CONCLUSIONS Intraocular ranibizumab injections provided rapid, effective treatment for macular edema due to RVO with low rates of ocular and nonocular safety events. However, repeated injections and frequent follow-up intervals may be required.