Intrasilicone bevacizumab injection for iris neovascularization after vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intrasilicone injection of bevacizumab for the treatment of iris neovascularization after vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

METHODS

Bevacizumab 1.25 mg/0.05 ml was injected into silicone oil in 15 eyes of 11 patients with iris neovascularization which had developed 2.5-6 months after vitrectomy and silicone oil tamponade. The main outcome measures were regression of iris neovascularization, intraocular pressure elevation, and visual acuity.

RESULTS

In all eyes, iris neovascularization regressed and postinjection intraocular pressure was controlled within 7 days postinjection. Visual acuity improved in 12 eyes. In 4 patients, iris neovascularization recurred within 10 weeks after the injection and they were successfully treated with a second intrasilicone bevacizumab injection of the same dose.

CONCLUSION

Intrasilicone injection of bevacizumab is safe and effective in the treatment of patients with iris neovascularization after vitrectomy for advanced proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Further studies on greater numbers of patients and more advanced neovascularization are recommended.