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.
Keywords Age related macular degeneration (ARMD) - Bevacizumab (Avastin) - Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) - Multifocal Electroretinogram (MFERG) - Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)