Purpose: Systemic anti-VEGF therapy with bevacizumab was effective in neovascular AMD in the SANA study. Intravitreal bevacizumab has the advantage that a high concentration can be achieved in the eye with a low dose. First clinical studies showed a good therapeutic effect.
Methods: In a clinical study 93 patients with occult or minimal classic CNV due to neovascular AMD were treated with intravitreal injections of Bevacizumab (1.25 mg). Before, 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment visual acuity, intraocular pressure measurement, angiography and OCT examination were performed. After one day and after one week an eye examination was done and the intraocular pressure was measured.
Results: Bevacizumab was well tolerated and we had no complications. Mean visual acuity was 20 / 80 at baseline. Visual acuity was stabilised but not significantly improved after 1, 3 and 6 months (20 / 80). 70 (75 %) patients showed reduced leakage in fluorescein angiography after 6 month. In OCT retinal thickness was reduced significantly after 1, 3 and 6 months (OCT: mean 323 microm at baseline, 260 microm after 1, 290 microm after 3 and 275 microm after 6 months).
Conclusions: Intravitreal therapy with bevacizumab was safe and well tolerated. It is a therapeutic option in treating occult choroidal neovascularisations and minimal classic CNV. Six months after intravitreal administration of bevacizumab mean visual acuity was stabilised. Retinal thickness and leakage were more reduced after 1 month than after 3 and 6 months. According to our results, a monthly injection schedule could give more favourable results.