The Long-term Outcomes of Central Retinal Vein Occlusion and Factors Associated with Resolution of Macular Edema

Purpose: To report the long-term outcomes of patients with macular edema (ME) secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and to explore the ME incidence and factors associated with ME resolution. Methods: We retrospectively studied patients with ME secondary to CRVO. The visual acuity at baseline was compared to that at the final visit. The incidence and timing of ME resolution during treatment were evaluated and the visual outcomes of patients who did and did not experience ME resolution were compared. We also identified factors predictive of ME resolution. Results: We included 79 patients; the mean follow-up time was 50.1 ± 14.3 months. The mean logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) of visual acuity was 0.94 ± 0.75 at diagnosis and 1.00 ± 0.84 at the final visit (p = 1.000). A logMAR visual loss of 0.3 or greater was noted in 28 patients (35.4%). During follow-up, ME resolution was evident in 40 eyes (50.6%) at a mean of 16.9 ± 17.4 months. Visual improvement was greater in patients who evidenced ME resolution than in those who did not (p < 0.001). The ME resolution rate was higher in patients younger than 60 years (p = 0.039) and in those who lacked subretinal fluid at diagnosis (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In patients with ME secondary to CRVO, the risk of long-term recurrent ME was higher in older patients and those evidencing subretinal fluid at diagnosis indicating that such patients require close follow-up and aggressive treatment.