Evaluation of vitreoretinal interface changes in patients receiving intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy

Abstract

Purpose: To study the effects of repeated intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF drug bevacizumab on the vitreoretinal interface (VRI).

Methods: Patients undergoing intravitreal injection of bevacizumab were enrolled. Eyes with media haze, uveitis, high myopia, history of cataract surgery or laser capsulotomy in last 6 months and complicated pseudophakia were excluded. VRI evaluation was done monthly for a minimum of 6 months. The nature and timing of the change(s) event was recorded.

Results: A total of 100 eyes were evaluated. Thirty-seven eyes developed new vitreoretinal interface change event (VICE). Pseudophakia (OR = 5.23, 95% CI = 1.99-14.07, p = 0.001), pre-injection VRI abnormality (OR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.13-6.14, p = 0.024) and older age at enrollment (62.6 ± 13.9 vs. 56.3 ± 14 years) were risk factors for development of VICE. Eighty percent of interface events occurred in the first 3 months of therapy. Eight needed surgical intervention for consequences of vitreoretinal separation.

Conclusion: VICE is not infrequent in eyes receiving anti-VEGF therapy though rarely need surgical intervention. The first 3 months are the critical months to watch out for these events. The treating ophthalmologists must keep the risk factors for development of in mind and monitor and counsel patients accordingly.

Keywords: Anti-VEGF drugs; Avastin; Bevacizumab; Vitreomacular traction; Vitreoretinal interface; Vitreoretinal interface change.