Macular Hole Formation After Intravitreal Ranibizumab Injection in Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Research

Background:

• Ranibizumab is a key treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).
• Intravitreal injections of Ranibizumab are associated with known adverse effects.
• Macular hole formation is a rare but reported complication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case series of patients who developed full thickness macular holes (FTMH) after Ranibizumab treatment.
• To add to the limited existing case reports on this specific complication.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of five patients.
• Identification of patients who developed FTMH post-intravitreal Ranibizumab injection for wet ARMD.
• Data collected between 2009 and 2013.

Main Results:

• Five cases of full thickness macular holes (FTMH) were identified.
• All patients received intravitreal Ranibizumab injections for wet ARMD.
• The complication occurred within the observed timeframe.

Conclusions:

• Intravitreal Ranibizumab injections may lead to the development of full thickness macular holes.
• Further investigation into this complication is warranted.
• Ophthalmologists should be aware of FTMH as a potential adverse event.