ABSTRACT
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal ranibizumab treatment in all types of choroidal neovascularization that developed secondary to age-related macular degeneration.
We enrolled ninety-four eyes of 92 patients with previously untreated neovascular age-related macular degeneration who underwent intravitreal ranibizumab injection and were followed for at least 12 months. All of the patients underwent a complete examination, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (Snellen), biomicroscopy, and dilated fundus examination at preoperatively and postoperative follow-up visits. Number of injections and frequency of follow-up visits per year were evaluated. Size, location, and type of the lesions were evaluated by fluorescein angiography (FA). Pre- and postoperative changes in lesion size, central macular and foveal thickness measured by OCT were compared.
A total of 92 patients (36 women and 56 men) with a mean age of 69.1±11.0 years were evaluated. Mean follow-up time was 14.6±3.44 (12-25) months, and mean number of injections was 4.9±1.81 (3-12). The average annual number of follow-up visits was 9.2±1.02 (8-12). Patients’ mean best-corrected visual acuity increased by 12.1 letters. The lesion size was 3.27±0.95 µm at pre-treatment period and improved to 2.72±1.15 µm in post-treatment period measured by FA (p=0.006). Leakage was still detected in ten patients at final follow-up visit. Statistically significant decrease in macular and foveal thickness was recorded in all post-treatment measurements compared to pre-treatment ones.
Intravitreal ranibizumab treatment is efficient and safe in all types of choroidal neovascularization that develops secondary to age-related macular degeneration. Flexible dosing interval increases the patient compliance and anatomical and functional success rate.