Comparison of observation, intravitreal bevacizumab, or pars plana vitrectomy for non-proliferative type 2 idiopathic macular telangiectasia.

PURPOSE

To compare visual and anatomic outcomes in eyes with type 2 idiopathic macular telangiectasia (Mactel) treated with either intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB), observation, or pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane removal.

METHODS

Retrospective, consecutive, interventional case series of phakic patients with Mactel. Best-corrected Snellen visual acuity (BCVA) and complete ophthalmic exam was obtained prior to treatment and at subsequent 3-month intervals for a minimum of 6 months. Fluorescein angiographic and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography features were examined, and compared to BCVA at treatment initiation and follow-up.

RESULTS

Fifty-six eyes of 28 patients were evaluated. Mean age was 65 ± 12 years, and mean follow-up was 24 ± 13 months. Patients were treated with either observation (n = 33), IVB (n = 15), or PPV (n = 8). Mean number of treatments for the IVB group was 2.5 ± 3.5 intravitreal injections. No significant differences in BCVA change were observed between treatment groups via one-way ANOVA (p = 0.49). Presence of inner retinal cysts was not correlated to BCVA (p > 0.05). Discontinuous outer nuclear layer was significantly related to worse initial and final vision, but not to BCVA change.

CONCLUSION

IVB and PPV with ILM removal appear ineffective in improving visual outcome in eyes with non-proliferative Mactel. SD-OCT evidence of disrupted foveal outer nuclear layer is related to decreased BCVA, but not related to BCVA change following treatment.