Intravitreal Avastin for macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion: a prospective study

Objective: To evaluate efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab ( Avastin) in eyes with macular oedema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion ( CRVO) or branch retinal vein occlusion ( BRVO). Methods: Twenty-eight consecutive patients ( 28 patients, 29 eyes, 8 CRVO, 21 BRVO) were enrolled in the study. Three intravitreal injections of 1 mg bevacizumab ( 0.04 ml) were administered at 4-week intervals; further retreatment was based on optical coherence tomography ( OCT) findings. Follow-up examinations were done at days 1, 7 and 28 and at monthly intervals thereafter. Results: Mean baseline central retinal thickness ( CRT) in OCT was 558 mm ( range 353-928 mm) and mean BCVA was 20/100. One day after the first injection, CRT significantly decreased to 401 mm ( p< 0.01). Three injections reduced macular oedema to 328 mu m CRT ( p< 0.01) and improved BCVA to 20/50 ( p< 0.01). At 6 months, CRT was 382 mm ( p< 0.01), and BCVA was stable at 20/50(-2) ( p< 0.01), FA showed no evidence of increased avascular zones. Conclusion: Intravitreal injections of bevacizumab appear to be a safe and effective therapy in the treatment of macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion.