Anti-VEGF appears effective in myopic choroidal neovascularization, but longer studies are needed

Retina. 2010;30(3):407-412.

Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy appears promising for choroidal neovascularization secondary to pathologic myopia, although long-term efficacy and safety are unknown, according to a study.

In a study of 34 eyes of 32 patients treated in a consecutive, multicenter, prospective, nonrandomized, interventional case series, 79% gained at least some vision on the ETDRS chart and all eyes lost less than three lines. Almost a quarter of eyes in the study gained three lines or more, 44% improved two lines or more, and 65% improved by one line or more.

Patients in the study were treated at baseline with a single injection of Lucentis (ranibizumab, Genentech) and evaluated every 4 weeks. Requirement for re-treatment was based on fluid changes seen on optical coherence tomography. Over the 12-month study, patients received a mean 3.6 treatments, according to the study.

History of treatment with photodynamic therapy appeared to affect the success of treatment. Eyes with previous PDT improved a mean six letters in 12 months after a mean 4.2 intravitreal injections. Eyes with no previous PDT improved a mean nine letters in 12 months after a mean 3.2 intravitreal injections. Macular thickness was also higher at 12 months in eyes that underwent previous PDT.

Follow OSNSuperSite.com on Twitter.