Intravitreal use of bevacizumab (Avastin) for choroidal neovascularization due to ARMD: a preliminary multifocal-ERG and OCT study

Purpose To evaluate by MFERG and OCT the macular function before and after intravitreal use of bevacizumab (Avastin) in eyes suffering from CNV due to ARMD. Methods Eighteen eyes with subfoveal CNV due to ARMD were studied before and after intravitreal use of bevacizumab with MFERG and OCT. The post treatment follow up was three months. Results Before treatment, OCT shows an increase of the retinal thickening of the fovea and the electrical response densities in the fovea and parafovea were decreased in all patients. Three months after treatment, OCT showed a real resolution of the subretinal fluid. The electrical responses in the fovea and parafovea remained the same or slightly improved in some cases. The intraocular pressure remained normal and no inflammation was observed. Conclusion The intravitreal use of bevacizumab may provide anatomical correlates that support the concept of disease amelioration but the functional improvement of the macula three months after treatment is not obvious. However the method is promising and needs further evaluation.