Clinical and Electrophysiological Evaluation Following Intravitreal Bevacizumab for Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

Abstract

Purpose: : To determine the efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab injection in patients with macular edema (ME) secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

Methods: : Nine consecutive patients with macular edema secondary to BRVO received an intravitreal injection of 1.25mg/0.05ml bevacizumab. Patients had a complete ophthalmic evaluation including visual acuity testing, optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluroscein angiography, electroretinography (ERG), and pattern reversal visual evoked potential (VEP) at baseline and at follow-up visits.

Results: : The follow-up period was >2 months. The mean best-corrected visual acuity in logMAR units improved from 0.93 at baseline to 0.50, 0.55 at 1 and 2 months. The mean foveal thickness was 651 µm at baseline and decreased to 461, 342, 295, and 428 µm at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 2 months (P <0.01). The mean amplitudes and implicit times of the a- and b-waves of the ERGs were not significantly changed 2 weeks after the injection compared to the baseline values. The amplitudes and latencies of P100 of the VEPs were not significantly changed at 2 weeks. No adverse side effects were observed following the injection.

Conclusions: : An intravitreal injection of bevacizumab results in significant short-term improvement of visual acuity and macular edema secondary to BRVO. No ocular toxicity or adverse effects were observed by clinical and electrophysiological examinations.

Keywords: retina