Treatment of macular edema in diabetic retinopathy: comparison of the efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab and ranibizumab injections

Abstract

Aim: To compare the effects of the anti-VEGF treatments bevacizumab and ranibizumab on visual acuity and foveal thickness in macular edema due to diabetic retinopathy. Materials and methods: 50 patients received intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin; Group 1) and 50 received intravitreal ranibizumab (Group 2). Patients were assessed before and every month for 12 months after injection. Foveal thickness values and best corrected visual acuity were obtained at each assessment. Patients were assessed at 12-month follow-up on BCVA and foveal thickness. Results: BCVA averages for both groups showed a significant increase in visual acuity from pretreatment to 12 month follow-up. The decrease in foveal thickness was also significantly different for both groups from pretreatment to 12 month follow-up. At 12 months, there were no significant between-group differences with respect to a decrease in foveal thickness or an increase in visual acuity. Conclusions: Bevacizumab, compared to ranibizumab, was effective with fewer injections.