Intravitreal ranibizumab for choroidal neovascularization secondary to pathologic myopia: 12-month results

Abstract

Aims: To determine the efficacy and safety of intravitreal ranibizumab in the treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to pathologic myopia (PM).MethodsProspective, consecutive, non-randomized, interventional case series of 23 eyes of 23 patients with CNV secondary to PM treated with intravitreal ranibizumab as needed, after the first injection (PRN: Pro Re Nata). Patients were followed-up monthly with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), biomicroscopy, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography.ResultsThere were 23 eyes of 23 patients, and the mean age was 51.08 (SD17.40) years. One patient was lost during the follow-up. At the 12-month follow-up, the mean VA improved by 9.53 letters (P0.05). In all, 69% of patients increased at least one line, and 34.7% increased three or more lines. There were no cases of moderate vision loss (3 lines) or severe vision loss (6 lines). Favourable outcomes were obtained in all subgroups. Patients received an average of 1.52 injections. No serious ocular complications were noted.ConclusionsThe 12-month results of this consecutive series of 23 patients suggests that a small number of injections of intravitreal ranibizumab may be safe and effective for both preventing and restoring visual loss in patients with CNV secondary to PM. Further studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy are justified. © 2009 Macmillan Publishers Limited All rights reserved.