Intravitreal bevacizumab for type 1 idiopathic macular telangiectasia

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab injection for treating type 1 idiopathic macular telangiectasia (IMT). Methods: Retrospective case series of five eyes of five male patients with type 1 IMT that were treated with 2-3 injections of intravitreal bevacizumab. Best-corrected visual acuity, foveal thickness obtained by optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography (FA) were monitored over a period of up to 12 months. Results: The average follow-up period was 17.0 months (range, 12-21 months). The mean logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution visual acuity was 0.295 at baseline and 0.254 (P=0.194) and 0.311 (P=0.461) at 3 and 12 months, respectively, after the initial injection. At 12 months, visual acuity had improved in one eye, remained stable in three eyes, and decreased in one eye. The mean foveal thickness was 479 m at baseline; at 1 month after the therapy, marked reduction of macular oedema was seen only in one eye. The mean foveal thickness was 418 m (P=0.287) and 473 m (P=0.482) at 3 and 12 months after the initial injection, respectively. At 12 months, the foveal thickness had decreased by 100 m in one eye, but had increased by 100 m in two eyes. FA did not show a reduction in late leakage. Conclusion: sTreatment with intravitreal bevacizumab does not appear to improve visual acuity or retinal oedema in type 1 IMT.