Vitrectomy for macular edema combined with retinal vein occlusion

This study was performed in order to evaluate the effect of vitrectomy in eyes with retinal vein occlusion associated with macular edema. Twenty-nine years eyes (27 patients) with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO), and 14 eyes (13 patients) with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) both associated with macular edema underwent phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, pars plana vitrectomy and peeling of the posterior hyaloid membrane. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 32 months. Macular edema was reduced, and visual improvement was observed (p < 0.0001 in BRVO, p = 0.0257 in CRVO, paired t-test). Visual outcome was better in eyes with better visual acuity before surgery. Early vitrectomy may be recommended for retinal vein occlusion associated with macular edema.