Functional recovery after intravitreal bevacizumab treatments for idiopathic choroidal neovascularization in young adults.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the morphology and functional recovery of the retina after treatment of idiopathic choroidal neovascularization using intravitreal injections of bevacizumab in young adults.

METHODS

For this interventional case series, 20 eyes of 19 patients with idiopathic choroidal neovascularization were treated with multiple intravitreal injections of bevacizumab. Changes in best-corrected visual acuity before the treatment and at follow-up visits were recorded. Structural changes were evaluated using optical coherence tomography and functional changes were assessed using microperimetry.

RESULTS

Twenty eyes were followed for 12 months after their first injection. The eyes underwent an average of 3.95 injections. All eyes had a stable or an improved vision. The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.43 to 0.06 (Wilcoxon signed-ranks test, P < 0.005). Improvement in macular function was detected as early as 1 month after the treatment and lasted for at least 6 months. Microperimetry demonstrated that mean retinal sensitivities within the central 10° field (10.29 ± 5.12 dB) at baseline improved to 13.98 ± 3.96 dB at the last visit. Dense scotomas were found in 13 of the 20 eyes at baseline and 5 of the 20 eyes at the last visit. Stable fixation (6 of 20 at baseline) was found in 17 of the 20 eyes at the last visit. Twelve of the 14 eyes with either a predominantly eccentric or poor central fixation at baseline established central fixation at 12 months. No serious local or systemic complications were encountered.

CONCLUSION

In young adults with idiopathic choroidal neovascularization, an improvement in visual acuity and macular function was detected after intravitreal injections of bevacizumab.