Results of Intravitreal Bevacizumab as an Adjunct to mETDRS Grid Laser in Diabetic Macular Edema

Doi: 10.36351/pjo.v37i1.1135

Abstract

Purpose:  To assess the efficacy of Intravitreal Bevacizumab as an adjuvant to grid laser photocoagulation in patients with diffuse macular edema (DME) in type II diabetes.

Study Design:  Quasi experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study:  Institute of ophthalmology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, from September 2016 to November 2018

Methods:  Ninety five patients with diffuse macular edema in type II diabetes were selected by convenient sampling. Group I patients were treated with ETDRS grid laser photocoagulation. Group II patients were treated with ETDRS grid laser photocoagulation followed by intravitreal bevacizumab after one week monthly for 2 months and then as per need. All patients were examined after 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd month and mean change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT).Statistical analysis was done on SPSS version 20.0. Paired t-test was used to compare mean values and p valve < 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant.

Results:  The results of study were compared with the baseline values. The mean change in BCVA in group 1 was from 46 ± 18 letters to 52 ± 17. BCVA in group 2 was from 46 ± 18 letters to 56 ± 17 (P < 0.001). The decrease in macular edema thickness was more in group II than group I (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:  Macular Grid laser with or without Intravitreal Bevacizumab significantly improves vision and decreases macular edema but combined treatment led to more stable improvement in DME during follow-up.

Key Words:  Modified ETDRS laser, Bevacizumab, Macular edema, Anti-VEGF.