Macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion in a real-life setting: a multicenter, nationwide, 3-year follow-up study

Purpose To evaluate the presence of macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO)—both central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO)—3 years after diagnosis in patients who underwent intravitreal therapy and to identify potential prognostic factors and biomarkers of persistent macular edema. Methods National multicenter, observational, exploratory, retrospective cohort study of 104 consecutive patients with macular edema secondary to RVO diagnosed from January 2014 to December 2015 with minimum 3-year follow-up time. Data analyzed included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), clinical and demographic data, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography parameters. Results At final observation, median baseline central retinal thickness significantly improved from baseline 538 to 290 μm ( p < 0.001) and complete macular edema resolution was achieved in 51.0% of patients (56.3% and 42.5% in BRVO and CRVO patients, respectively). BCVA also improved ( p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed a relationship between recurrence of macular edema and disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL) at baseline (odds ratio = 2.88; p = 0.013). Conclusion Good long-term anatomical and functional outcomes are achieved with intravitreal treatments in RVO patients. Anatomical success and visual gains seen in the first year were maintained throughout the entire follow-up, though DRIL is a major risk factor for recurrence.