Ranibizumab versus bevacizumab for the treatment of idiopathic choroidal neovascularization: 2-Year results

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab vs ranibizumab for the treatment of idiopathic choroidal neovascularization (ICNV). Methods: This retrospective study included 60 eyes of 60 patients with ICNV who underwent intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 mL, n = 30 eyes) or ranibizumab (0.5 mg/0.05 mL, n = 30 eyes). Multiple treatments were based on complete ophthalmologic investigation including slit-lamp biomicroscopy, fundus examination, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The BCVA, central retinal thickness (CRT), intraocular pressure (IOP), FFA results, and complications were compared between the 2 groups during the 2-year follow-up. Results: Visual acuity was significantly better at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment (p<0.01), with no significant difference in visual acuity between the bevacizumab and ranibizumab groups. In both groups of patients, the CRT after treatment was significantly less than before. At 12 and 24 months, the CRT in the ranibizumab group was significantly less than in the bevacizumab group (p<0.05). The FFA examination showed that CNV was reduced after intravitreal injection of either drug, with no significant difference in IOP between the 2 groups. No ophthalmologic or systemic complications occurred. Conclusions: Bevacizumab and ranibizumab are effective and safe in the treatment of ICNV, with similar effects in improving visual acuity and reducing retinal edema. The long-term efficacy of ranibizumab is superior to bevacizumab in reducing CRT.