RETINAL SENSITIVITY AFTER INTRAVITREAL INJECTION OF BEVACIZUMAB FOR THE TREATMENT OF MACULAR EDEMA SECONDARY TO RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION

Purpose: To evaluate the change in macular function after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab for the treatment of macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion. Methods: For this interventional case series, 20 eyes of 20 patients with macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion were treated with an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab. Microperimetry in the macular area was performed with a Micro Perimeter 1 before and at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. Results: Improvement in macular function was detected immediately after treatment and lasted for at least 6 months. As measured by the Micro Perimeter 1, mean retinal sensitivities within the central 10 degrees field (4.9 +/- 2.7 dB at baseline) improved to 7.2 +/- 3.1 dB at 1 month, to 7.6 +/- 3.4 dB at 3 months, and to 7.7 +/- 3.9 dB at 6 months (P < 0.001). Of the 20 eyes, a recurrence of macular edema was observed in 14 (70%), but with the use of optical coherence tomography, integrity of the outer aspect of the foveal photoreceptors was detected at 3 months to 6 months in 15 (75%) eyes. Conclusion: In eyes with macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion, improvement in macular function was detected immediately after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab and lasted for at least 6 months. RETINA 29:757-767, 2009