AIM: To observe the clinical value of Yiqihuoxuehuayu decoction combined with triamcinolone acetonide and 532nm argon laser in the treatment of macular edema(ME)secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion(BRVO).

METHODS: Totally 80 patients(80 eyes)with ME secondary to BRVO admitted to the hospital from January 2014 to August 2016 were randomly divided into control group and observation group, with 40 cases(40 eyes)in each group. Control group was given intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide combined with 532nm argon laser photocoagulation, and observation group was additionally given Yiqihuoxuehuayu decoction. The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central foveal thickness(CMT)and intraocular pressure were measured before treatment and at 1wk, 1mo and 3mo of treatment. The visual acuity, improvement effects of ME and improvements of symptoms(metamorphopsia, hemorrhage, exudation, etc.)were compared between the two groups, and the incidence rate of complications and the recurrence rate at 3mo after treatment were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS: There were significant differences in the BCVA and CMT between the two groups at different time points of treatment(P<0.05), and the BCVA in observation group at different time points after treatment was higher than that in control group while the CMT was lower than that in control group(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in intraocular pressure between the two groups at different time points of treatment(P>0.05). The visual acuity and ME improvement effects in observation group were better than those in control group, and the metamorphopsia and hemorrhage exudation absorption were better than those in control group(P<0.05). There were no significant difference in the incidence rate of complications and the recurrence rate at 3mo after treatment between the two groups(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: Yiqihuoxuehuayu decoction combined with triamcinolone acetonide and 532nm argon laser has definite efficacy in the treatment of ME secondary to BRVO, and it can improve visual acuity, reduce macular edema and promote fundus hemorrhage exudation absorption, and it has high safety.