Six-month comparative outcomes of aflibercept and faricimab in treatment-naïve macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE: To compare the 6-month outcomes of aflibercept and faricimab in treatment-naïve macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVOME).

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

METHODS

The charts of consecutive treatment-naïve eyes with BRVOME treated with intravitreal injection therapy between December 2023 and August 2024 at Hikichi Eye Clinic (Sapporo, Japan) were reviewed; all eyes treated between December 2023 and April 2024 were administrated with aflibercept and all eyes treated between May 2024 and August 2024 were administrated with faricimab. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) were assessed at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months. Injection frequency and safety were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Fifty-four eyes (29 aflibercept, 25 faricimab) were included. Both groups showed significant improvement in BCVA (from 0.39 ± 0.29 to 0.09 ± 0.23) and CFT (from 617 ± 132 to 201 ± 68 µm) over 6 months (p < 0.001). The mean number of injections was significantly lower in the faricimab group (1.96 ± 0.68) than the aflibercept group (2.45 ± 0.87; p = 0.024). No serious adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

Faricimab achieved similar visual and anatomical outcomes to aflibercept while requiring fewer injections, suggesting a potential advantage in reducing treatment burden.