Abstract
Purpose
To report the biologic effect of intracameral bevacizumab in patients with iris neovascularization secondary to proliferative retinal vasculopathies.
Methods
Sixteen eyes of 15 patients with iris neovascularization associated with or without neovascular glaucoma secondary to proliferative retinal vasculopathies received intracameral bevacizumab (1.25 mg). Ophthalmic evaluations included Snellen visual acuity (VA), complete ophthalmic examination, fluorescein iris angiography, and slit lamp photography Main outcome measure was change in degree of iris neovascularization. Secondary outcomes included fluorescein iris angiographic leakage, control of intraocular pressure, and changes in VA.
Results
All patients with neovascularization demonstrated by slit lamp photography and fluorescein angiography (16/16 eyes) had complete (or at least partial) reduction in leakage of the neovascularization within 3 weeks after the injection. Leakage from iris neovascularization resolved in 12 of 16 (75%) eyes. In two cases recurrent leakage was seen as early as 4 weeks necessitating repeat injection. Intraocular pressure was controlled with maximum medical therapy in eight of nine eyes reducing the need for glaucoma surgery. Visual acuity improved from a median of hand motions to 20/200.
Conclusions
In summary, intracameral bevacizumab was effective in reversing iris neovascularization in the majority of patients. It also facilitated intraocular pressure control in patients with associated glaucoma.
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