Prognostic Value of Hyperreflective Material on Visual Acuity in Treatment-Naïve BRVO

To correlate between hyperreflective material (HRM) seen on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual outcomes in treatment-naïve acute branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

Demographic and OCT features of patients with acute BRVO were analyzed retrospectively. OCT parameters noted were macular edema type, HRM presence and location, and outer retinal layer integrity. Eyes were separated into two groups: Group 1 (BRVO without HRM) and Group 2 (BRVO with HRM).

Forty-seven eyes (67%) were included in Group 1 and 23 eyes (33%) were included in Group 2. Mean presenting logMAR visual acuity in Groups 1 and 2 was 0.521 ± 0.428 (mean Snellen equivalent = 20/66) and 0.627 ± 0.427 (mean Snellen equivalent = 20/85), respectively. Poor vision at final visit was noted in the BRVO with HRM group (P = .027). More intravitreal injections were required for macular edema resolution in the HRM group (4.83 vs. 2.67).

Presence of HRM in BRVO is associated with poorer vision. It can be a useful prognostic biomarker. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2020;51:320-327.].