AIM: To compare the safety and efficacy of intravitreal injection with ranibizumab combined with grid laser photocoagulation for the treatment of macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion(BRVO).

METHODS: Thirty patients(30 eyes)with BRVO were randomized into two groups: Group 1(14 eyes)received grid laser photocoagulation(GLP)treatment alone, Group 2(16 eyes)received three loading doses 0.05mL/(0.5mg)of intravitreal injection with ranibizumab at monthly interval(i.e. 0, 1 month and 2 months)plus standard laser treatment 7d after the 1^st injection. During the 6 months of follow-up, observation was made on the changes of the best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and central macular thickness(CMT)by OCT.

RESULTS: After 6 months follow-up, the patients' BCVA in two groups were both improved with the combined treatment group better than the simple GLP group(P<0.05); OCT display that CMT of group 1 decreased by an average of 236.4±113.0μm, CMT of group 2 decreased by an average of 386.6±195.5μm with the combined treatment group better than the simple GLP group(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: The effect of the combined treatment is better than that of the simple GLP treatment. Intravitreal injection with ranibizumab combined with grid laser photocoagulation for the treatment of macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion is effective and safe.