Anti-VEGF may have short-term effect on diabetic retinopathy patients after cataract surgery

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2011;21(3):276-281.

Intravitreal administration of bevacizumab prevents macular edema only in the short term after cataract surgery in patients with diabetic retinopathy, according to a study. Six-month results regarding macular thickening were the same between the control group and the group receiving the injection.

The prospective randomized study examined cataract patients with diabetic retinopathy who underwent phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. The control group consisted of 30 eyes that underwent surgery but not injection, while the study group of 31 eyes was given 1.25 mg of intravitreal Avastin (bevacizumab, Genentech) at the conclusion of the surgery.

All the surgeries were performed successfully by one surgeon. The patients were examined on the first day after surgery and then at 4 weeks, 3 months and 6 months.

There were no statistically significant differences in visual acuity or macular thickness at 6 months between the groups.

"We found there is not any difference in [diabetic retinopathy] progression in the control group and in the intervention group at 6-month follow-up. The [diabetic retinopathy] progression rate of 23.3% and 16.6% in eyes after surgery shown in our sample in the control group and [intravitreal bevacizumab] group is consistent with previously reported progression rates of 25% 6 months after surgery," the study authors said.

Although the study was randomized, the patients were not masked to the injection of intravitreal bevacizumab.