Intravitreal bevacizumab for treatment of macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion: eighteen-month results of a prospective trial.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) in eyes with macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). METHODS: Forty-five consecutive eyes with macular edema secondary to CRVO were included in a prospective clinical trial. Eyes were treated with 3 initial intravitreal bevacizumab injections of 1.25 mg at monthly intervals. Retreatment was based on central retinal thickness (CRT) measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). OCT was performed monthly; fluorescein angiography was performed every 3 months. Main outcome parameters were visual acuity (VA, using the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study protocol) and CRT in an 18-month follow-up period. RESULTS: After 18 months of follow-up, mean VA increased from 40.9 letters at baseline to 61.9 letters (+21 letters; P<0.001) at month 18; CRT decreased from 572.3 µm at baseline to 273.2 µm at month 18 (-299.1 µm; P<0.001). Neither age, duration of CRVO, baseline VA, nor baseline CRT was correlated with the change in VA. No drug-related systemic or ocular side effects were observed following intravitreal bevacizumab treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal bevacizumab is generally well tolerated and may improve VA and decrease CRT in patients with macular edema secondary to CRVO over a period of 18 months.