Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of primary intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection in macular edema due to branched retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

Materials and Methods: Twelve eyes of 12 patients with macular edema due to BRVO were included in the study. Macular edema, hemorrhage and decreased visual acuity due to BRVO were observed in all patients. Patients who have had not take any prior treatment because of BRVO were involved in the study.Fundus fluorecein angiography was taken before injection in all patients. Intravitreal injection of 1.25mg/0.05ml bevacizumab was performed in all patients. Visual acuity, fundus findings, and complications were recorded before and after injection.

Results: Eight patients were women and 4 patients were men. Mean age of the subjects was 59.5 years (22-76 years). Single IVB injection was performed in all patients. The time interval between the BRVO development and IVB injection was 23.9 days (5-75 days). Mean follow up was 134.5 days (16–570 days). Mean visual acuities were 0.9±0.4 and 0.3±0.3 LogMAR before injection and on the last follow up visit after injection, respectively (p<0.002). After primary IVB injection, decreased macular eudema and improved visual acuity were detected in all patients. Localized subconjonctival hemorrhages were observed in 3 patients. Serious complications which may deteriorate the vision were not developed in any patients.

Conclusion: Primary IVB injection in patients with macular eudema due to BRVO may be an effective and safe treatment option.