AIM: To investigate the efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab or conbercept combined with macular laser grid photocoagulation(MLG)for macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion(BRVO).

METHODS: Totally 120 patients(120 eyes)with BRVO were randomized into three groups, 40 patients(40 eyes)in each group. Group A received MLG alone; Group B: intravitreal injection of ranibizumab 0.05mL/0.5mg; Group C: intravitreal injection of conbercept 0.05mL/0.5mg. MLG were performed in Group B and Group A at 1wk after injection. At 1mo after injection, all the patients were examined with fundus fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography, repeated injections were given if necessary. Repeated injection rate of Group B and C was compared after a six-month follow-up. before and at 1wk, 1, 3, 6mo after treatment, best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and central macular thickness(CMT)of the two groups were analyzed.

RESULTS: In Group B, there were 4 eyes with 2 consecutive injections, 7 eyes with 3 consecutive injections, and the repeated injection rate was 27.5%. Patients in Group C received injection only once. The repeated injection rate of Group B was higher than that of Group C with significant difference(P<0.05). BCVA of the three groups were improved after treatment, CMT was less than those before treatment. BCVA of Group B and C after treatment was better than those of Group A and CMT was less. BCVA of Group C was better than that of Group B, and CMT was less without significant difference(P>0.05). After the follow-up, there were no significant adverse reactions in three groups. The recurrence rate of group A was 25%, no recurrence in Group B and C and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Intravitreal ranibizumab or Conbercept combined with laser photocoagulation for macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion is effective. But injection times of Conbercept is less.