AIM:To evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of intravitreal dexamethasone implant(IDI)for patients with retinal vein occlusion-related macular edema(RVO-ME)by using optical coherence tomography(OCTA).

METHODS: Seventeen eyes in 17 patients with RVO-ME were treated with intravitreal injection of sustained-release IDI. The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central macular thickness(CMT)and superficial retinal vascular network were observed at baseline, 1d, 1mo, 2mo, 3mo, 4mo and 6mo.

RESULTS: CMT was significantly reduced from baseline by 24h after injection and improved further during the 3mo follow-up, and the improvement of visual acuity was consistent with that of CMT. OCTA showed improvement from baseline in terms of decreased number and size of cysts and restoration of the retinal vascular network. A slight increase in intraocular pressure was observed in 2 eyes after injection. There were no systemic side effects associated with injection or medication during follow-up.

CONCLUSION: CMT reduced as early as 24h after the injection of IDI, with further reduction during follow-up, and OCTA could visually observe the changes of retinal vascular network in macular area.