Longitudinal Quantification of Retinal Nonperfusion in the Macula of Eyes With Retinal Vein Occlusion Receiving Anti-VEGF Therapy: Secondary Analysis of the WAVE Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Longitudinal quantification of retinal nonperfusion (RNP) in eyes with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) undergoing anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty eyes with ischemic RVO were randomized to ranibizumab (Lucentis; Genentech, South San Francisco, CA) (monotherapy) or ranibizumab plus peripheral laser (combination therapy) in a 12-month, prospective trial. RNP on fluorescein angiography was quantified within the macula through 12 months of follow-up.

RESULTS: Baseline mean macular RNP areas were 5.04 mm2 and 8.30 mm2 in the monotherapy (n = 5) and combination therapy (n = 15) cohorts, respectively. Through month 12, mean macular RNP area increased 0.36 mm2 and 0.53 mm2 in the monotherapy and combination therapy cohorts, respectively (P = .77). Marked, progressive RNP was observed in three eyes (12%). No areas of reperfusion were detected in any eye.

CONCLUSION: Among ischemic RVO eyes in WAVE, macular RNP was common at baseline and remained stable over time in most eyes, though marked RNP progression occurred in a minority of eyes. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2018;49:258-264.].