Aim: To study the correlation between integrity of the photoreceptor layer after resolution of macular oedema (MO) associated with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and final visual acuity (VA), and to determine prognostic factors for visual outcome. Methods: We retrospectively studied 46 eyes from 46 patients with resolved MO secondary to BRVO, the foveal thickness of which was less than 250 mm at final observation. We assessed the status of the third high reflectance band (HRB) in the fovea using optical coherence tomography (OCT) at final observation, and studied OCT images taken at the initial visit in the hope of identifying a factor that would be prognostic of visual outcome. Results: No differences were found in initial VA or in foveal thickness between eyes with or without complete third HRB at final observation. However, final VA in eyes without a complete HRB was significantly poorer (p,0.002). Additionally, initial status of the third HRB in the parafoveal area of unaffected retina was associated with final VA; lack of visualisation of the third HRB at 500 mm (p = 0.0104) or 1000 mm (p = 0.0167) from the fovea on initial OCT images was associated with poor visual recovery after resolution of the MO. Conclusion: Integrity of the photoreceptor layer in the fovea is associated with VA in resolved MO, and status of the third HRB before treatment might be predictive of visual outcome.

Both the thickness and the integrity of the foveal photoreceptor layer are associated with visual function in eyes with persistent cystoid macular edema associated with BRVO.

After resolution of the ME associated with central retinal vein occlusion, visual acuity is closely associated with integrity of the foveal photoreceptor layer.

Observation of CME using 3D OCT enabled visualization of its spatial extent in each retinal layer and discernment of its relationship to the ELM. The use of 3D OCT thus may improve the monitoring of CME progression and its response to treatment.