Effects of Intravitreal Injections of Bevacizumab on Choroidal Neovascular Membrane in Pathologic Myopia

Abstract

Purpose: : To examine effects of intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (IVB) on choroidal neovascular membrane (CNV) in pathologic myopia.

Methods: : Thirteen eyes of 13 patients (2 male and 11 female) of pathologic myopia were included. All patients had no previous therapy. With an informed consent they underwent 1.25 mg of IVB. The IVB was repeated every 6 weeks after evaluation of fluorescein angiography (FA) and OCT. All patients were followed up more than 3 months. Corrected visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and OCT were evaluated at each visit.

Results: : Mean visual acuity of pre IVB was 0.10±0.3 and mean central retinal thickness (CRT) by OCT was 272±92µm. Mean times of IVB were 2.3±1.1. At 18 weeks after the first IVB, mean visual acuity was significantly improved to 0.45 and 8 eyes of 13 eyes (62%) showed an improvement of visual acuity more than logMAR 0.3. Contrast sensitivity significantly improved in all cycles/degree. CRT also significantly decreased to 192µm. In 2 eyes the CNV was disappeared by FA. No severe complication due to IVB was noted.

Conclusions: : IVB is effective to improve visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and CRT. IVB is safe and effective for treatment of CNV in pathologic myopic patients.

Keywords: choroid: neovascularization • vascular endothelial growth factor • myopia