Intravitreal Aflibercept Injection and Treatment Regimens in Macular Edema Due to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) is the most common form of retinal vein occlusions (RVO), which is the second most common retinal vascular disease after diabetic retinopathy. The most common cause of visual loss in BRVO is macular edema. Since the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was detected in the pathogenesis of macular edema due to BRVO, studies have been made with available anti-VEGF agents and different treatment regimens. Those treatment regimens can be listed as; “monthly / bimonthly fixed intervals”, “as needed” (Pro Re Nata; PRN), “treat and extend” (T&E). Aflibercept acts as a decoy receptor that binds to VEGF-A, VEGF-B and placental growth factor. There are publications indicating that this agent binds VEGF with a higher affinity than other anti-VEGF agents and thus provides a longer treatment efficacy. This review summarizes the studies about the use of aflibercept in different regimens for the treatment of macular edema due to BRVO.