To evaluate short-term outcomes of intavitreal dexamethasone implant in macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

A retrospective review of medical records was performed for 24 patients (24 eyes) who were diagnosed with macular edema secondary to BRVO. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) were measured before the injection and at 1 and 3 months after the injection. The values measured before and after the treatment were compared. In addition, the association between duration of symptoms and 3-month changes in BCVA was evaluated.

In 24 eyes, the logarithm of minimal angle of resolution BCVA before the injection and 1 and 3 months after the injection was 0.56 ± 0.25, 0.42 ± 0.26 and 0.45 ± 0.27, respectively. The CFT was 550.2 ± 116.5 µm, 270.3 ± 101.5 µm, and 356.6 ± 173.7 µm, respectively. When compared with the baseline values, the BCVA at 3 months was significantly improved ( p = 0.018) and the CFT was significantly decreased ( p < 0.001). There was a significant negative association between the duration of symptoms and 3-month changes in BCVA ( p = 0.032, r = -0.375). Elevated intraocular pressure was observed in 3 eyes (12.5%).

Intravitreal dexamethasone implant was found effective in treating macular edema secondary to BRVO. However, rebound macular edema and deterioration in visual acuity after 1 month suggest further studies with longer follow-ups are necessary.