Bevacizumab versus Ranibizumab on As-Needed Treatment Regimen for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Turkish Patients

Purpose. To compare the efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab versus ranibizumab in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Methods. Retrospective, comparative study. The newly diagnosed nAMD patients who were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab or ranibizumab on an as-needed treatment regimen were included in the study. Main outcome measures were the change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and central retinal thickness (CRT). Secondary outcome measures were the number of injections, and complications. Results. A total of 154 patients were included in the study. Bevacizumab group consisted of 79 patients, and ranibizumab group consisted of 74 patients. Mean follow-up time was 18.9 months, and 18.3 months in the bevacizumab and ranibizumab groups, respectively. There was not a significant difference between the two groups regarding the change in BCVA and CRT at all time points (P>0.05 for all). The mean number of injections at month 12 was 4.8 and 4.7 in bevacizumab and ranibizumab groups, respectively (P>0.05). No serious complications were detected in any of the groups. Conclusion. Both of the bevacizumab and ranibizumab found to be effective in the treatment of nAMD in regards of functional and anatomical outcomes with similar number of treatments and similar side effects.