Efficacy and visual prognostic factors of intravitreal bevacizumab as needed for macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion

PURPOSE: Our aim was to investigate the efficacy and prognostic factors of intraocular injections of bevacizumab as needed in patients with macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). METHODS: This is a retrospective study including 28 eyes of 27 consecutive patients with macular edema due to CRVO and followed for at least 6 months. The mean age of the patients was 66.3 years. The patients underwent an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (1.25 mg) at the initial visit. Retreatments were performed when macular edema was persistent or worsened (as-needed regimen). The primary outcome measure was the mean change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The change in central retinal thickness (CRT) was evaluated as the secondary outcome. Finally, the factors useful for predicting BCVA outcome were determined. RESULTS: The mean number of injections was 1.8 over a period of 6 months. The mean BCVA (logarithm of minimum angle of resolution) was significantly improved at 1 (−0.097), 3 (−0.14), and 6 months (−0.25) after the initial injection (P<0.05, <0.01, and <0.001, respectively). The mean CRT was also improved significantly at 1 (−250.4), 3 (−150.0), and 6 months (−187.2) (P<0.001 each). Earlier treatment and better improvement in BCVA at 1 month after the initial treatment were the prognostic factors significantly associated with better visual outcomes at 6 months (P=0.047 and 0.029, respectively). CONCLUSION: Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab as needed significantly improved visual acuity and macular edema in CRVO patients. Time before the treatment and early response to the treatment were important factors for the visual outcome.