Role of Intravitreal Bevacizumab in Management of Eale’s Disease

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of Intravitreal Bevacizumab (IVB), in preventing vitreo-retinal complications in patients of Eale’s Disease (ED). METHODS: This randomized control trial was conducted at Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology (AFIO), Rawalpindi from May 2015 to December 2016. A total of 52 eyes of 26 patients, diagnosed with stage I or II of ED were randomly divided in two groups. Group A received monthly injections of IVB for 3 months, with steroids and laser photocoagulation. Group B received only steroids and laser treatment. Patients were followed for three months, and were analyzed for different clinical parameters. RESULTS: Mean age of study population was 28.5±2.64 years. Difference in frequency of patients requiring PPV and showing regression in neovascularization was statistically significant between both groups (p=0.005 for both). However, difference in frequency of patients showing progression in stage of ED, regression of vasculitis and best corrected visual acuity at 12 weeks between two groups was not statistically significant (p= 0.012, 0.579, 0.046 respectively). CONCLUSION: Intravitreal Bevacizumab injection, given monthly in patients of ED results in significantly more regression in neovascularization, and less requirement for PPV, as compared to those receiving standard steroids and laser photocoagulation treatment.