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

METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, total 78 patients(101 eyes)diagnosed with diabetic macular edema in Dongguan People's Hospital from October 2016 to December 2018 were randomly divided into two groups. 40 patients(52 eyes)were in combination therapy group and 38 patients(49 eyes)were in monotherapy group. The changes of best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central retinal thickness(CRT)and frequency of injections in two groups were compared after 12mo follow-up.

RESULTS: At the end of 12mo follow up, the BCVA(0.44±0.22 vs 0.55±0.23)and CRT(335.3±65.9μm vs 370.4±84.4μm; P<0.05)were better in combination therapy group than that in monotherapy group. Fewer injections were required in combination therapy group compared with that in the monotherapy group(4.04±1.08 vs 5.83±1.92 injections, t= -5.722, P<0.05). There was no significant difference between two groups(13.87±2.55 vs 14.04±2.69mmHg, P>0.05)in intraocular pressure.

CONCLUSION: Combination therapy of ranibizumab and macular grid photocoagulation was an effective treatment for DME patients, could significantly reduced the frequency of injections, and represent a superior therapeutic approach to DME patients.