Related Experiment Videos
Maculopexy Resolves Cystic Macular Edema After Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
Robert E Morris1,2,3, Cole Richardson4, Cary Baxter1,2
1Helen Keller Eye Research Foundation, Birmingham, Alabama.
Retinal Cases & Brief Reports
|July 20, 2026
Summary
Grid laser retinopexy combined with vitrectomy and gas tamponade offers a lasting solution for cystoid macular edema (CME) secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) when medical treatments fail.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Diseases
- Surgical Techniques
Background:
- Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) frequently leads to cystoid macular edema (CME), impairing vision.
- Medical therapies, including intravitreal bevacizumab, may not sufficiently resolve BRVO-related CME.
- Persistent CME can cause significant visual acuity loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a combined surgical technique for resolving BRVO-related CME.
- To demonstrate the long-term outcomes of pneumatic maculopexy in refractory CME cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing vitrectomy, grid laser retinopexy, and gas tamponade (pneumatic maculopexy).
- Laser ablation of ischemic peripheral retina preceded the procedure.
- Intravitreal bevacizumab was administered for six months prior to surgery without success.
Main Results:
- Complete resolution of CME was observed immediately after gas tamponade resolution.
- Visual acuity improved from 20/40 to 20/30 post-procedure.
- Sustained visual acuity of 20/25 and a dry macula were maintained at 24 months without further intervention.
Conclusions:
- Pneumatic maculopexy, combining grid laser and gas tamponade, provides a durable solution for BRVO-related CME unresponsive to medical therapy.
- Precise parafoveal laser application is crucial for successful outcomes.
- This surgical approach offers a viable option for selected patients with persistent CME.
