The efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with ranibizumab in the treatment of macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion

Background: Macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO-ME) impairs vision. Intravitreal ranibizumab is commonly used, but the adjunctive value of acupuncture remains unclear. Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with intravitreal ranibizumab injection for RVO-ME. Methods: Patients with RVO-ME (n = 45) were randomized into a control group (ranibizumab monotherapy) and an acupuncture group (ranibizumab and acupuncture). Both groups received monthly intravitreal ranibizumab (0.5 mg/0.05 mL) for 3 months, with a total follow-up of 6 months. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), macular vessel density (MVD) of superficial vascular complex (SVC), and deep vascular complex (DVC), foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, and safety outcomes were assessed. Results: At 3 and 6 months post-treatment, BCVA, CMT, SVC-MVD, and DVC-MVD improved significantly in both groups (p