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Retinal Thickness (retinal + thickness)
Kinds of Retinal Thickness Selected AbstractsTemporal changes in retinal thickness after removal of the epiretinal membraneACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 4 2009Hitoshi Aso Abstract. Purpose:, We aimed to study the temporal aspects of the postoperative reduction of retinal thickness in eyes with epiretinal membrane after vitrectomy with peeling of the epiretinal membrane and internal limiting membrane. Methods:, In a retrospective study performed as a non-comparative, interventional case series, 16 eyes from 15 patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane who underwent vitrectomy and removal of the epiretinal membrane were followed up using optical coherence tomography measurements. Retinal thickness in the macular area was assessed by the foveal thickness and macular volume in a circle 6 mm in diameter. Results:, Scattergrams of the foveal thickness and macular volume were best fitted with exponential curves. The average time constants of the exponential curve for foveal thickness and macular volume changes were 31 days (range 4,109 days) and 36 days (range 5,100 days), respectively. The average expected final values for foveal thickness and macular volume were 334 ,m (range 206,408 ,m) and 7.53 mm3 (range 6.57,8.66 mm3), respectively, which were significantly greater than those in normal controls (p < 0.0001, t -test). Conclusions:, Retinal thickness decreases rapidly immediately after surgical removal of the epiretinal membrane and the reduction rate gradually slows thereafter. Approximation of the exponential curve provides an estimation of final retinal thickness after surgical removal of the epiretinal membrane; final thickness is expected to be greater than in normal eyes. [source] Quantitative assessment of retinal thickness in diabetic patients with and without clinically significant macular edema using optical coherence tomographyACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 3 2001Chang-Sue Yang ABSTRACT. Purpose: To assess patients with diabetic macular edema quantitatively using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: OCT was performed in 14 eyes with diabetic retinopathy and ophthalmoscopic evidence of clinically significant macular edema (CSME) and in 19 diabetic eyes without CSME. Retinal thickness was computed from the tomograms at fovea and other 36 locations throughout the macula. Results: The mean±standard deviation foveal thickness was 255.6±138.9 ,m in eyes with CSME, and 174.6±38.2 ,m in eyes without CSME (p=0.051). Within 2000 ,m of the center of the macula, eyes with CSME had significantly thicker retina in the inferior quadrant than those without CSME (p<0.01). The foveal thickness was correlated with logMAR visual acuity (,=0.68, p<0.01). OCT identified sponge-like retinal swelling and/or cystoid macular edema in 11 (58%) eyes without CSME, and in 12 (86%) eyes with CSME. Conclusions: Criteria of CSME seem to be insufficient in really identifying macular edema. OCT may be more sensitive than a clinical examination in assessing diabetic macular edema and is a quantitative tool for documenting changes in macular thickening. [source] Combined intravitreal bevacizumab and triamcinolone in exudative age-related macular degenerationACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 6 2010Jost B. Jonas Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: 630,634 Abstract. Purpose:, We report on the combined application of intravitreal bevacizumab and triamcinolone acetonide for treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods:, The clinical interventional case-series study included 16 patients (16 eyes) with exudative AMD who had previously received 3.5 ± 1.8 mono-injections of bevacizumab (1.5 mg) without significant improvement in visual acuity (VA) or reduction in macular exudation. All patients underwent a combined intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (1.5 mg) and triamcinolone acetonide (about 20 mg). Main outcome measures were VA and macular thickness as determined by optical coherence tomography. All patients were re-examined at 2,3 months after the intervention. Results:, Visual acuity improved significantly (p = 0.03) from 0.80 ± 0.40 logMAR prior to the combined injection to 0.65 ± 0.42 logMAR at 3 months after the injection. An improvement of , 1 Snellen line was found in eight subjects, an increase of , 2 lines in five subjects, and an improvement of , 3 lines in two subjects. One patient lost 1 line and one patient lost 3 lines. Central retinal thickness decreased significantly from 272 ± 62 ,m to 220 ± 47 ,m (p = 0.03). At the 6-month follow-up examination, central retinal thickness had increased again to 319 ± 142 ,m, which was not significantly (p = 0.30) different from baseline measurements. Conclusions:, The combined intravitreal application of bevacizumab and triamcinolone may temporarily be helpful in the treatment of exudative AMD if previous intravitreal bevacizumab mono-injections have failed to improve vision and reduce macular oedema. [source] Ketoconazole in the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy: a pilot studyACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 5 2010Azadeh Golshahi Abstract. Purpose:, The aim of this study was to evaluate a possible effect of systemic ketoconazole on visual acuity (VA) and retinal thickness in patients with acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). Methods:, Fifteen consecutive patients were treated with ketoconazole 200 mg/day for a period of 4 weeks. Another 15 patients served as a control group. Baseline examination and review after 4 weeks included VA testing and measurement of neuroretinal or pigment epithelial detachment by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Fluorescein angiography was performed to verify the diagnosis. Results:, At baseline, mean VA in Snellen units was 0.6 ± 0.2 (logMAR 0.2 ± 0.7) in the treatment group and 0.7 ± 0.3 (logMAR 0.2 ± 0.5) in the control group. On OCT, mean neuroretinal or pigment epithelial detachment measured 288 ± 163 ,m in the ketoconazole group and 225 ± 51 ,m in the control group, respectively. Four weeks later, mean VA improved in both groups. On OCT, neuroretinal or pigment epithelial detachment decreased in both the treatment and control groups. The differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions:, Although a pharmacological decrease in endogenous cortisol synthesis appears to be a rational approach in the treatment of CSCR, systemic ketoconazole at 200 mg/day was not associated with a significantly better outcome in this preliminary study. [source] Multifocal electroretinography amplitudes increase after photocoagulation in areas with increased retinal thickness and hard exudatesACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2 2010Monica Lövestam-Adrian Abstract. Purpose:, This study aimed to evaluate local response on multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) and to assess retinal thickness with optical coherence tomography (OCT) after focal laser treatment in areas with retinal oedema and exudates in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Methods:, Twelve diabetes patients (aged 60 ± 14 years, diabetes duration 16 ± 8 years) treated with focal or grid photocoagulation in areas with retinal oedema and/or exudates underwent mfERG and OCT before and 3 months after treatment. The average thickness (in ,m) in any of the nine sectors (defined according to the ETDRS) treated with photocoagulation was measured. Amplitudes and implicit times were analysed in corresponding areas on the mfERG. Results:, Mean mfERG amplitudes increased after photocoagulation (21.5 ± 8.0 nV/deg2 versus 16.8 ± 6.1 nV/deg2; p = 0.012), whereas no difference was seen in implicit times. Mean OCT values in the treated regions were lower at follow-up (272 ± 23 ,m versus 327 ± 79 ,m; p = 0.013). No correlation was seen between changes in mfERG response and changes in OCT values. The decrease in retinal thickness was correlated with the number of laser spots applied (p = 0.002). Conclusions:, Focal argon laser treatment is effective in reducing retinal thickness. In addition, treated areas tend to show improved retinal function as demonstrated by increased amplitudes on mfERG. [source] Time-course and characteristic morphology of retinal changes following combination of verteporfin therapy and intravitreal triamcinolone in neovascular age-related macular degenerationACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2 2010Shilla Lie Abstract. Purpose:, To identify characteristic morphological changes of the retina over time and the association with visual function after combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) and intravitreal triamcinolone (IVTA). Methods:, In this retrospective study, 40 patients (40 eyes) were treated with PDT and same-day IVTA. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescein angiography (FA) and evaluation of distance visual acuity (VA) were performed. The anatomical changes within intra- and subretinal compartments and their detailed analysis and grading were the main outcome measures. Results:, Intraretinal fluid (IRF) and subretinal fluid (SRF) by OCT decreased until 3 months (p < 0.01). At month 3, intraretinal cystoid spaces (ICS) had resolved or decreased in 84% of eyes, SRF in 58% and pigment epithelial detachment (PED) in 50%. Mean best-corrected VA (BCVA) improved significantly at month 1 (p < 0.01). Mean central retinal thickness (CRT) increased from 334 ,m at baseline to 439 ,m at day 1 (p = 0.03) before decreasing to 286 ,m at day 7 (p = 0.06), 233 ,m at month 1 (p = 0.001) and 255 ,m at month 3 (p = 0.001). Conclusion:, Combined verteporfin/IVTA therapy induces distinct time-related effects on the retina within the different intra- and subretinal compartments. [source] Functional and morphological changes in the eyes of Behçet's patients with uveitisACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2 2010Masaru Takeuchi Abstract. Purpose:, Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic, recurrent, multisystem disorder, and serious ocular involvement may lead to blindness. In some BD patients, latent tissue damage caused by recurrent ocular inflammation is not reflected by visual acuity or ophthalmoscopic findings. In this study, we evaluated the morphological and functional changes of ocular features related to duration of uveitis from onset in BD patients, and analysed their association with visual acuity. Methods:, Thirty-eight eyes of 20 patients with ocular BD were enrolled. Eyes with marked complications such as cataract, glaucoma, cystoid macular oedema, macular degeneration and optic atrophy were excluded from the study. During clinical remission of ocular inflammation, perimetric sensitivity and retinal thickness were measured by Micro Perimeter 1 (MP-1) and optical coherence tomography (OCT), respectively. The relationship between MP-1 and OCT findings, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) converted to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) and duration from initial onset of uveitis were analysed statistically. Results:, logMAR correlated with perimetric sensitivity measured with MP-1 at the fovea, inner macula and outer macula, but not with retinal thickness based on OCT. The duration of uveitis correlated significantly with logMAR and with OCT-based retinal thickness at the fovea, inner macular and outer macula, but not with MP-1-derived retinal perimetric sensitivity. No correlation was found between OCT-based retinal thickness and the corresponding MP-1-derived retinal sensitivity at the fovea, inner macula or outer macula. Conclusion:, These results demonstrate that visual acuity, retinal perimetric sensitivity and retinal thickness decrease with an increase in the duration of uveitis in BD patients, but that retinal perimetric sensitivity is relatively preserved among these factors. [source] Diabetic macular oedema and visual loss: relationship to location, severity and durationACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 7 2009Thomas W. Gardner Abstract. Purpose:, To assess the relationship between visual acuity (VA) and diabetic macular oedema (DMO) in relation to the location of retinal thickening and the severity and duration of central macular thickening. Methods:, Data from 584 eyes in 340 placebo-treated patients in the 3-years-long Protein Kinase C Diabetic Retinopathy Study (PKC-DRS2) trial were used to investigate the relationship between VA and DMO. Eligible eyes had moderately severe to very severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and VA of at least 45 letters on Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) charts (Snellen equivalent = 20/125). Diabetic retinopathy and DMO status were assessed using stereo photographs. Results:, Nearly one third of study eyes had foveal centre-involving DMO at the start of the trial. Sustained moderate visual loss was found in 36 eyes, most commonly associated with DMO at the centre of the fovea in 73% of eyes. There was a strong relationship (p < 0.001) between foveal centre involvement with DMO and mean VA. Mean VA decreased with increasing retinal thickness at the centre (p < 0.001) and increasing duration of centre-involving DMO (p < 0.001). Conclusion:, This study documents the relationship between duration of DMO and progressive vision loss, and the key role of central foveal involvement in patients with diabetic retinopathy. These data will help to develop future strategies to prevent vision loss. [source] Efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin®) therapy for early and advanced neovascular age-related macular degenerationACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 6 2009Ilse Krebs Abstract. Purpose:, To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab therapy for early and advanced neovascular age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Methods:, A consecutive series of eyes with neovascular ARMD treated with monthly intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 ml) as long as there was evidence of activity on fluorescein angiography (FA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) was included and observed for 6 months. For further analysis they were assigned to either an early (untreated/newly diagnosed) or an advanced (predominantly fibrotic/pre-treated) ARMD group. We examined distance visual acuity (VA) with Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) charts and central retinal thickness with OCT, as well as lesion size and safety aspects. Results:, Forty-four patients (44 eyes) were enrolled (21 early lesions, 23 advanced lesions). Mean VA changed from 0.74 logMAR at baseline to 0.68 logMAR at month 6 (P = 0.01). Improvement in VA was statistically significant only in eyes with early lesions (n = 21) from month 1 (P = 0.015) up to month 6 (P = 0.03). The changes in central retinal thickness (CRT) (P < 0.001) and total lesion size (P < 0.001) were significant in both groups (early and advanced) at all time-points during follow-up. No significant ocular or systemic adverse effects were observed. Conclusion:, Intravitreal bevacizumab was tolerated well by our patients and we did not identify any apparent short-term safety concerns. We observed stabilization in VA overall, with significant improvement in the early lesion group. [source] Is neuroglobin (Ngb) a perspective for glaucoma?ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2009Y YOU Purpose To further explore the mechanisms of Ngb function in the retina, and investigate the possible neuroprotective potency of this O2-binding protein in glaucoma. Our project will potentially open exciting perspectives for the treatment and prognosis of the blinding condition of glaucoma. Methods 1) In vitro: We will set up cultures for primary RGCs. The cultured RGCs will be subjected to hypoxia by incubation in a controlled-atmosphere incubator. Cell survival and apoptosis will be assessed using MTT method and TUNEL staining. Ngb expression in normoxic and hypoxic cells will be compared. Additionally, the RGCs will be transfected with plasmids expressing Ngb mRNA to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of Ngb. 2) In vivo: The ischemia/reperfusion model and the staurosporine intravitreal injection model cause acute RGC loss. We will also use a laser model to induce chronic elevated IOP by obstructing the aqueous outflow pathway. We will first analyze upregulated Ngb expression in these models. The localization of both Ngb mRNA and protein will be assessed. Ngb-Tg mice will be subjected to the glaucoma models. We will measure cell density or retinal thickness and perform electroretinography to evaluate the physiological function of retina. We will also analyse the possible contribution of oxidative stress via immunostainings for ROS and determine possible effects on NO scavenging by evaluating the expression of NOS. Furthermore, we will transfect RGCs in vivo using intravitreal injections of a Ngb expressing adeno-associated virus (AAV) to test the therapeutic potential of Ngb. Conclusion Our project will not only provide us with an improved understanding of neuroglobin, but also open a new perspective for the treatment of retinal ganglion cell apoptosis and glaucomatous neuropathy. [source] Outcome of exudative aged-related macular degeneration (ARMD) after 3 intravitreal injections of bevacizumabACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2009C CREUZOT Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal injections of bevacizumab in exudative ARMD. Methods Retrospective study including naive patients suffering from exudative ARMD whatever the type of neovascularisation. All the participants were treated with three monthly 1.25 mg intravitreal injections of bevacizumab. The primary objective was far and near visual acuity (VA) 1, 3 and 6 months after the third injection. The secondary objective was the residual activity of neovascularisation assessed with fluorescein and ICG angiography and retinal thickness evaluated with OCT3. Results 71 eyes of 66 patients were included. Neovascularisation was occult, visible or combined in 65%, 20% and 15% of the cases, respectively. A statistically significant improvement between pre and post-injection VA (LogMAR) was observed one month after the third injection, 0.88±0.57 and 0.77±0.60, respectively, p=0.001). An active neovascularisation was still present at that time in 57.7% of the eyes and 34% at 6 months needing further bevacizumab injections (3.85±0.96 per eye). VA was similar at 1, 3 and 6 months (F71,2=1,54 ; p=0,46). A complication occurred in 3 eyes. Conclusion Three bevacizumab intravitreal injections led to a significant VA improvement. However, more than half of the eyes had an active neovascularisation after these 3 injections. [source] Intravitreal bevacizumab for treatment-naïve subfoveal occult choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degenerationACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 4 2009Claudio Furino Abstract. Purpose:, This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of multiple injections of intravitreal bevacizumab for treatment-naïve subfoveal occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods:, Twelve eyes of 12 patients (mean age 76 ± 6 years) with mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/100 and occult subfoveal CNV at fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine-green (ICG) angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT), showing intra- or subretinal fluid with or without retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED), underwent multiple intravitreal injections (mean 2.4 ± 0.7) of 1.25 mg (0.05 ml) bevacizumab. Visual acuity and OCT findings were assessed at the end of follow-up. Results:, After a mean follow-up of 5.7 ± 2 months, BCVA improved from 20/100 (range 20/50,20/303) to 20/60 (range 20/28,20/200) (p = 0.038). Five eyes (42%) increased BCVA by , 3 lines, six eyes (50%) increased BCVA by < 3 lines and one eye (8%) remained stable. Macular thickness decreased from 298 ± 71 ,m to 223 ± 72 ,m (p = 0.017). No ocular or systemic side-effects were observed. Conclusions:, Short-term results suggest that multiple intravitreal injections of 1.25 mg bevacizumab are well tolerated and associated with significant improvements in BCVA and decreased retinal thickness by OCT in most patients with treatment-naïve occult CNV. Further evaluation of intravitreal bevacizumab for the treatment of occult CNV is warranted. [source] Temporal changes in retinal thickness after removal of the epiretinal membraneACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 4 2009Hitoshi Aso Abstract. Purpose:, We aimed to study the temporal aspects of the postoperative reduction of retinal thickness in eyes with epiretinal membrane after vitrectomy with peeling of the epiretinal membrane and internal limiting membrane. Methods:, In a retrospective study performed as a non-comparative, interventional case series, 16 eyes from 15 patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane who underwent vitrectomy and removal of the epiretinal membrane were followed up using optical coherence tomography measurements. Retinal thickness in the macular area was assessed by the foveal thickness and macular volume in a circle 6 mm in diameter. Results:, Scattergrams of the foveal thickness and macular volume were best fitted with exponential curves. The average time constants of the exponential curve for foveal thickness and macular volume changes were 31 days (range 4,109 days) and 36 days (range 5,100 days), respectively. The average expected final values for foveal thickness and macular volume were 334 ,m (range 206,408 ,m) and 7.53 mm3 (range 6.57,8.66 mm3), respectively, which were significantly greater than those in normal controls (p < 0.0001, t -test). Conclusions:, Retinal thickness decreases rapidly immediately after surgical removal of the epiretinal membrane and the reduction rate gradually slows thereafter. Approximation of the exponential curve provides an estimation of final retinal thickness after surgical removal of the epiretinal membrane; final thickness is expected to be greater than in normal eyes. [source] Treatment of choroidal neovascularization using intravitreal bevacizumabACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 5 2007Robert Pedersen Abstract. Purpose:, This study aimed to assess the pharmacodynamic profile of intravitreal bevacizumab in relation to best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), foveal thickness, and other aspects of macular morphology after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab in eyes with subretinal choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Methods:, A retrospective observational, uncontrolled case series including 26 eyes in 25 patients followed for up to 6 months after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab 1 mg repeated as deemed necessary after monthly assessments by biomicroscopy, optical coherence tomography, colour fundus photography, fluorescein angiography and BCVA determination. At follow-up, cases were classified by morphological treatment response (reduction or elimination of pathological neovascular leakage, retinal thickening or serous retinal detachment) or absence of response (deterioration or lack of improvement). Primary disease entities included age-related macular degeneration (22 eyes, four of which had evidence of retinal angiomatous proliferation), idiopathic peripapillary neovascularization (one eye), and angioid streaks (three eyes in two patients). Results:, One month after the first injection, apparent morphological improvement was observed in 24/26 eyes and mean BCVA had improved by 3.1 ± 7.8 letters (p = 0.05). Of these 24 responders, which included all primary diagnoses, 11 (46%) demonstrated BCVA improvement of ,,5 letters. The two non-responders (7.7%) had lost >,3 lines of vision at 2 months follow-up. Overall, 18 eyes completed 6 months follow-up, with a mean BCVA improvement of 0.5 ± 12.7 letters, and 22 eyes completed 3 months follow-up, with a mean BCVA improvement of 2.0 ± 11.0 letters. Two months after the first injection, 11 (46%) of the 24 responders demonstrated signs of recurrent CNV activity, defined as decreased BCVA and/or increased retinal thickness and/or fluorescein angiographic CNV leakage. No serious drug-related adverse events were observed during the course of the study. Conclusions:, Overall mean BCVA remained stable throughout the study. Morphological signs of reduced CNV activity were seen in the majority of eyes at 2,4 weeks after intravitreal bevacizumab injection. Half the responders showed signs of renewed CNV activity at 2 months after their first injection. All first-injection responders were also second-injection responders. [source] Response of retinal arteriole diameter to increased blood pressure during acute hyperglycaemiaACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 3 2007Peter Jeppesen Abstract. Purpose:, To study retinal response in terms of arteriole diameter and retinal thickness secondary to an increase in arterial blood pressure during acute hyperglycaemia. Methods:, In a randomized, double-blinded, cross-over study, nine healthy persons were subjected to clamping of blood glucose to either 5 mmol/l or 15 mmol/l using somatostatin to control endogenous insulin secretion. The response of retinal arterioles in terms of diameter as determined with the retinal vessel analyser (RVA) and retinal thickness as assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) were measured after an increase in arterial blood pressure induced by isometric exercise. Arterial feeding pressure in the eye was assessed from the ophthalmic artery pressure and pulse amplitude measured by ophthalmodynamometry. Results:, Isometric exercise induced a significant increase in mean arterial blood pressure and a significant contraction of the retinal arterioles. An acute increase in blood glucose from 5 mmol/l to 15 mmol/l did not affect either the diameter of retinal vessels or retinal thickness. Conclusions:, Acute hyperglycaemia per se does not change isometric exercise-induced retinal arteriolar contraction. Metabolic factors other than blood glucose are suspected to be involved in the impairment of retinal autoregulation as seen in hyperglycaemia induced by oral glucose intake. [source] Quantitative assessment of retinal thickness in diabetic patients with and without clinically significant macular edema using optical coherence tomographyACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 3 2001Chang-Sue Yang ABSTRACT. Purpose: To assess patients with diabetic macular edema quantitatively using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: OCT was performed in 14 eyes with diabetic retinopathy and ophthalmoscopic evidence of clinically significant macular edema (CSME) and in 19 diabetic eyes without CSME. Retinal thickness was computed from the tomograms at fovea and other 36 locations throughout the macula. Results: The mean±standard deviation foveal thickness was 255.6±138.9 ,m in eyes with CSME, and 174.6±38.2 ,m in eyes without CSME (p=0.051). Within 2000 ,m of the center of the macula, eyes with CSME had significantly thicker retina in the inferior quadrant than those without CSME (p<0.01). The foveal thickness was correlated with logMAR visual acuity (,=0.68, p<0.01). OCT identified sponge-like retinal swelling and/or cystoid macular edema in 11 (58%) eyes without CSME, and in 12 (86%) eyes with CSME. Conclusions: Criteria of CSME seem to be insufficient in really identifying macular edema. OCT may be more sensitive than a clinical examination in assessing diabetic macular edema and is a quantitative tool for documenting changes in macular thickening. [source] Intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) for neovascular age-related macular degeneration using a variable frequency regimen in eyes with no previous treatmentCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, Issue 8 2008Kenneth CS Fong FRCOphth Abstract Purpose:, To evaluate a variable frequency regimen with intravitreal bevacizumab for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in eyes that have not received any previous treatment. Methods:, Retrospective review of patients with neovascular AMD who were treated with three consecutive monthly intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (1.25 mg) and retreated based on the PrONTO study criteria. Outcome measures included visual acuity (VA) and central retinal thickness. Subgroup analysis was conducted to identify pretreatment characteristics that could determine visual outcome with treatment. Results:, A total of 109 eyes of 109 patients were treated. The mean age was 82 years, and the mean follow-up period was 9.4 months (range 6,12 months). At baseline, the mean VA was 45.6 letters (6/37.5) and mean central retinal thickness 343 µm. This improved to 51 letters (6/30) (P < 0.001)) and 231 µm (P < 0.001) at 6 months. At 6 months, VA was improved by at least five letters in 50%, remained stable in 30% and worsened by at least five letters in 20% of patients. Patients with large intraretinal cysts on optical coherence tomography before treatment had an increased risk of worse vision (odds ratio 10.5, 95% confidence interval 1.69,64.99; P = 0.018). Conclusions:, The majority of patients had improvement or stability of VA regardless of the angiographic type of choroidal neovascularization. Intravitreal bevacizumab with this tailored regimen is beneficial in the treatment of neovascular AMD in the short term. The presence of large intraretinal cysts on optical coherence tomography is a poor prognostic factor for visual improvement with this treatment. [source] | ||||||||||