Bevacizumab in macular edema: functional and anatomic changes in a prospective case series

To evaluate the early rate of change of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal sensitivity, neuroretinal and choroidal thickness in patients with macular edema after 1.25 mg/0.05 ml intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin; Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA).

A prospective, nonrandomized, interventional study. Thirty-seven consecutive eyes with macular edema were included in the study. For all eyes, BCVA, central retinochoroidal thickness at standardized A-scan, central retinal thickness, and central retinal sensitivity recorded with a spectral scanning laser ophthalmoscope optical coherence tomography/microperimeter device were evaluated at baseline and 7, 15, 30, 37, 45, and 60 days after initial treatment. All patients received 2 intravitreal bevacizumab injections at 1-month interval.

A significant although not related improvement of BCVA and retinal sensitivity was seen after 1 month and 2 months of follow-up. Anatomic improvement only involved the neuroretina, although significant changes of central choroidal thickness were not detected.

Intravitreal bevacizumab for macular edema determines significant early functional and anatomic improvements.