The efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab in the treatment of diabetic macular oedema

Purpose to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 1.25 mg intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) in the treatment of diabetic macular oedema at Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos, Centre of Eye Diseases from July, 2012 to May, 2014. Methods Clinical data (best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and OCT findings at baseline and at the end of the follow‐up) of 52 patients (76 eyes) were reviewed retrospectively. Patients who received only one intravitreal bevacizumab injection or whose medical data were missing were excluded. Results 76 eyes were treated with 1.25 mg intravitreal bevacizumab every 4 weeks at least with two injections for one eye and then continued if needed. The mean BCVA in patients with diabetic macular oedema at baseline (Snellen) was 0.31 (SD ±0.24). The mean number of intravitreal bevacizumab injections per eye was ‐ 3 (range 2‐8). Patients were observed for an average of 36 weeks. At the end of the follow‐up the mean BCVA increased to 0.4 (SD±0.31) and the central macular thickness detected on OCT decreased significantly (mean 325 (SD±228ϻm)). Four patients with resistant diabetic macular oedema underwent combined IVB and laser treatment. One case of endophthalmitis was observed. Conclusion Intravitreal bevacizumab seems to be effective and safe in the management of diabetic macular oedema in this short term retrospective study.