INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB FOR NEOVASCULAR GLAUCOMA

The aim of the study was to assess short-term efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab in a series of patients with neovascular glaucoma. Eleven patients with neovascular glaucoma and symptomatic elevation of intraocular pressure were treated with 1.25 mg/0.1 mL of bevacizumab. In three patients, intravitreal bevacizumab was administered preoperatively, one clay before pars plana vitrectomy. Additional therapy was only performed if topical medication failed to result in satisfactory control of intraocular pressure. Patients were followed-up for a minimum of 8 weeks. In all study patients, intravitreal application of bevacizumab resulted in marked regression of iris neovascularization within the first three postoperative days. Appropriate control of intraocular pressure was achieved in seven patients, whereas four patients required additional therapy for intraocular pressure regulation. No side effects of intravitreal bevacizumab were recorded. Thus, intravitreal bevacizumab seems to be a potent adjunct in the management of neovascular glaucoma. Additional studies of bevacizumab long-term safety and efficacy are warranted.