Short-duration focal pattern grid photocoagulation for macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion

To evaluate the safety, functional, and anatomical outcomes of short-duration pattern scanning laser (PASCAL) macular photocoagulation in the treatment of macular edema related to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

Consecutive retrospective analysis of visual acuity (VA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and adverse events from eyes treated with PASCAL macular photocoagulation for BRVO-related macular edema. Two-tailed paired t-tests were used to compare pre- and post-treatment VA and central retinal thickness (CRT).

A total of 35 eyes from 35 patients and 18 eyes from 18 patients met study criteria for VA and OCT analysis, respectively. All treatments were delivered with the same PASCAL photocoagulation unit. Mean laser settings were 133-µm spot size, 15-millisecond pulse duration, 250-mW power, and fluence of 29 J/cm(2) with an average of 1.4 treatments and 335 shots per patient. Adjunct treatment with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections and pan-retinal photocoagulation was administered in 27 and 16 eyes, respectively. At an average follow-up of 12 months (range 3-43 months) post-treatment, no laser-related ocular complications were observed. Visual acuity was not significantly changed (p = 0.07), although the number of patients with vision better than 20/40 doubled following treatment. CRT was reduced by an average of 110 µm (p = 0.0009).

Short-duration PASCAL macular photocoagulation appears to be a safe treatment option that results in significant anatomical improvement in macular edema related to BRVO.