AIM:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of intravitreal injection of ranibizumab combined with macular grid photocoagulation for diabetic macular edema(DME).

METHODS:Totally 60 eyes(60 patients)with DME were randomly divided into 2 groups: 30 eyes of simple injection group underwent intravitreal injection of ranibizumab, and 30 eyes of combined treatment group underwent intravitreal injection of ranibizumab and macular grid photocoagulation 1wk later. The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central macular thickness(CMT)measured by optical coherence tomography(OCT)and postoperative complications were observed.

RESULTS:In simple injection group, the BCVA after operation were separately 0.390±0.075(4wk), 0.367±0.088(8wk)and 0.319±0.064(12wk),the CMT after operation were separately 221.63±112.34μm(4wk), 337.73±99.56μm(8wk)and 432.92±100.46μm(12wk), which were much better than pre-operation. But during follow-up, the BCVA presented down trend and the CMT was on the rise slowly. In combined treatment group, the BCVA after operation were separately 0.385±0.036(4wk), 0.382±0.079(8wk)and 0.377±0.097(12wk),the CMT after operation were separately 249.77±106.55μm(4wk), 270.40±92.88μm(8wk)and 275.84±97.34μm(12wk), which were satisfactory and steady during follow-up, better than simple injection group(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:Intravitreal injection of ranibizumab can effectively improve visual acuity and decrease central foveal thickness for patients with DME, combining with macular grid photocoagulation can ensure therapeutic effects steady and permanent.