Bevacizumab therapy for macular edema in central retinal vein occlusion: Long-term results

There is no proven effective treatment for vision loss in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Bevacizumab has been reported in small series with limited follow-up, to have a positive effect in reducing cystoid macular edema (CME) and improving vision in CRVO.

To report long-term results with the use of bevacizumab in CRVO.

Prospective interventional case series included 15 patients, serially evaluated with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescein angiography, and tonometry. Results were statistically analyzed.

Mean follow-up was 12 +/- 3.6 months (range, 6-18 months); mean number of injections was 2.2 (range, 1-4) per patient. Statistically significant reduction of macular thickness (P < 0.001) was seen at six weeks (mean, 346 mu); three months (mean, 353 mu); six months (mean, 348 mu); and final follow-up (mean, 342 mu). Significant BCVA improvement was seen at six weeks (mean, 0.27 logMAR), three months (mean, 0.3 logMAR), three months (0.15 logMAR), and final follow-up (mean, 0.21 logMAR) (P = 0.009). Also, 73.3% patients had BCVA improvement at the last follow-up.

Intravitreal bevacizumab is an effective treatment option for CME in CRVO patients. Reinjections at appropriate timing, based on the OCT findings, are important for better visual outcome.