AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of concurrent intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) and extended-release dexamethasone injections (Dex-I) in naïve and refractory patients with retinal vein occlusion macular edema (RVO-ME). METHODS: This was a prospective, interventional, and open-label clinical trial. There were two groups: naïve and refractory patients (received ≥5 times of previous IVR within one year prior to enrollment) enrolled. Patients received IVR and Dex-I concurrently and re-combination therapy was required if one or more retreatment criteria were met. IVR and Dex-I were given pro re nata (PRN). The mean changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were measured as main outcomes. RESULTS: Totally 63 patients (63 eyes) completed the entire follow-up (31 naïve and 32 refractory patients). At month 12, the change in BCVA was greater in the naïve group than in the refractory group [19.67±11.7 (95%CI: 15.03, 24.31) letters CONCLUSION: In both naïve and refractory RVO-ME patients, IVR combined with Dex-I is effective. The initial combination therapy for naïve patients demonstrates more efficient improvement in BCVA and may reduce total injection numbers compared to refractory patients.