[New developments in the pharmacological treatment of macular oedema due to retinal vein occlusion]

The therapeutic options for retinal vascular diseases have changed due to new study results and the approval of dexamethasone (Ozurdex®) and ranibizumab (Lucentis®) by the EU commission for visual loss caused by macular oedema in retinal vein occlusion. In addition to laser treatment, we have now two approved drugs for the treatment of macular oedema. Therefore it is important to make decisions about the best treatment in retinal vein occlusion. This necessitates knowledge of the posology of the drug and assessment of the advantages and risks of the different treatment modalities. Therefore it is important to know the efficacy and safety data of the different therapies. The approval of dexamethasone and ranibicumab for the treatment of macular oedema in branch and central retinal vein occlusions improves the chances for the outcome, especially concerning visual acuity. The new results from the dexamethasone and ranibizumab studies in matters of efficacy and safety and treatment recommendations are described.