Visual prognosis and vitreous molecules after vitrectomy for macular edema with branch retinal vein occlusion

Abstract

Hidetaka Noma1, Hideharu Funatsu1, Tatsuya Mimura2, Shuichiro Eguchi3, Katsunori Shimada41Department of Ophthalmology, Yachiyo Medical Center, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Yachiyo, Chiba, Japan; 2Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan; 3Department of Ophthalmology, Eguchi Eye Hospital, Hakodate, Japan; 4Department of Hygiene and Public Health II, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, JapanAbstract: This study investigated whether vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) influence the visual prognosis of patients with macular edema and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). In 47 consecutive patients (47 eyes) undergoing vitrectomy, retinal thickness was examined by optical coherence tomography. Best-corrected visual acuity and the vitreous fluid levels of VEGF, sICAM-1, and PEDF were also determined. Patients were followed for at least 6 months after surgery. Vitreous fluid levels of VEGF and sICAM-1 were significantly lower in the patients with more marked improvement of visual acuity after vitrectomy, while PEDF was significantly higher. VEGF and sICAM-1 levels were significantly higher in patients with greater postoperative improvement of macular edema, while PEDF was significantly lower. In BRVO patients, vitreous fluid levels of VEGF, sICAM-1, and PEDF may influence both the response of macular edema to vitrectomy and the visual prognosis.Keywords: branch retinal vein occlusion, macular edema, vitrectomy, vascular endothelial growth factor, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, pigment epithelium-derived factor