The beneficial effects of bevacizumab on the progression of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to explore the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab injection on the progression of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) patients, offering a ray of hope in treating this condition.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The current investigation was a case-control study in which the demographic records of patients diagnosed with NAION. The total included 30 patients, divided into two main groups: the treatment group, which received intravitreal bevacizumab administration (n = 15), and the control group (n = 15), which was treated without bevacizumab. Bevacizumab (1.25 mg) was injected into the eye through a transscleral approach using a 25-gauge needle. Tetracaine, lidocaine, and gatifloxacin drops were applied for anesthesia and post-treatment. Visual acuity was measured using letter scores at a distance of 2 meters. Visual fields and optic nerve imaging were used to assess retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness.

RESULTS

Eye involvement was evenly distributed between the right and left eyes. A two-way ANOVA revealed a significant difference in RNFL thickness between injection groups (F(2, 28) = 3.985, P = 0.03), with a significant decrease over time (P < 0.0001). Visual acuity also differed significantly (F(2, 28) = 103.0, P = 0.001). Bevacizumab injection led to marked visual acuity improvement at one and three months (P = 0.022, P = 0.0001, P = 0.001). The non-injection group showed improvement only at three months (P = 0.0001, P = 0.0004).

CONCLUSION

The data obtained from this study suggest that intravitreal bevacizumab administration may offer promising effects on the progression of NAION patients, providing a reassuring and confident outlook for the future of NAION treatment.