Effects of Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection on Neovascular Glaucoma

Kim, Hyung Chan

Original Article

Korean Journal of Optometry and Vision Science 2011;10(1):43-50.
Published online June 20, 2011.

신생혈관녹내장에서 Bevacizumab 유리체강내 주입술의 효과

김형찬

Department of Ophthalmology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul,

Effects of Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection on Neovascular Glaucoma

Hyung Chan Kim

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate the effects of intravitreal bevacizumab injection on neovascular glaucoma (NVG). Methods: Retrospective and non-comparative study was made of patients who received intravitreal bevacizumab injection (1.25 mg/0.05 cc) for NVG. Outcome measures included intraocular pressure (IOP), range of neovascularization of iris (NVI) at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months follow-up. Results: Ten eyes were included and followed up for 4.4±0.9 months. Before injection, baseline mean IOP was 50.7±6.5 mmHg (36∼59 mmHg) which significantly decreased to 25.9±12.7 mmHg (15∼55 mmHg) at 1 week, and sustained to 30.3±12.5 mmHg (12∼50 mmHg) at 1 month (p=0.007, 0.008). However, in two cases mean IOP increased to the level of before injection. So finally Ahmed valve implantation was done. Among the rest of 8 cases, mean IOP of 4 cases at 3-month increased significantly compared to that at 1 month, resulting in no significant difference with basal level. Regression of NVI was observed in all cases within 1 week. In 8 eyes, NVI remained regressed until 3 months. Conclusions: Intravitreal bevacizumab injection has a transient effect on NVG. It may be considered as an adjuvant to more definitive treatment (pan-retinal photocoagulation or glaucoma shunt procedures) in NVG. (Korean J Optom Vis Sci 2011;10(1):43-50)

Key Words: Bevacizumab, Intravitreal bevacizumab injection (IVB), Neovascular glaucoma (NVG)