Intravitreal bevacizumab versus ranibizumab: Effects on the vessels of the fellow non-treated eye

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGF) on the vessels of the non-treated eyes following intravitreal injections. Methods: In this prospective, non-randomized trial, a total of 38 patients were recruited. 21 patients received ranibizumab, and 17 patients received bevacizumab. Fundus photography was carried out at baseline immediately before injection and at 3 days, 7 days, and one month after the injections. Using image analysis software, measurements were summarized as the central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal vein equivalent. Results: In non-treated eyes, CRAE decreased significantly from 153.23 +/- 15.20 mu m before injection to 148.77 +/- 17.21 mu m 3 days after intravitreal bevacizumab (P = 0.004). There was no significant difference in CRAE, between the pre-injection baseline, one week, and one month after intravitreal bevacizumab injection in non-treated eyes (P > 0.05). No significant difference was noted in CRAE in the non-treated eyes of the ranibizumab group at any post-injection visit (P = 0.1). Conclusion: A significant transient narrowing effect of bevacizumab on retinal arterioles in the fellow non-treated eyes on the third day after intravitreal injection may show that plasma concentrations of these drugs are sufficient to spread the effect to the other eye. Copyright (C) 2018, Iranian Society of Ophthalmology. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.