Short-Term Functional Results After Intravitreal Bevacizumab (AvastinTM) for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Abstract

Purpose: : To assess the short-term effects of intravitreal bevacizumab injection on retinal function by focal electoretinogram (fERG) and microperimetry (MP1).

Methods: : Twenty-one patients with exudative age related-macular degeneration (AMD) were treated with 0.125 mg/ml of intravitreal bevacizumab and evaluated, before and after injection, by best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), fERGs to 8 Hz and 41 Hz flicker stimulation (central 18 degrees), MP1 sensitivity (central 10 degrees) and fixation stability. During 1-month follow-up, none of the patients underwent re-injection and the following parameters were considered: BSCVA, fERG 8 Hz 1^st and 2^nd harmonic response amplitude and 41 Hz 1^st harmonic, MP1 sensitivity and 2° and 4° fixation stabillity.

Results: : When compared to baseline values, BSCVA, MP1 sensitivity and fixation stability improved (p < 0.001) at the end of study. No significant changes were observed for any of the FERG parameters. Significant positive correlations (r = 0.56; p < 0.01) were observed between microperimetry parameters and BSCVA at 30 days after injection.

Conclusions: : Results suggest an improvement of central retinal function following intravitreal bevacizumab for AMD.

Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • drug toxicity/drug effects • choroid: neovascularization