Effect of Reflux of Drug During Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Therapies on Foveal Thickness

Abstract

Purpose: To report any variation in foveal thickness in eyes with and without reflux during anti-VEGF injection.

Method: Review of electronic case notes and scans.

Results: 18 patients receiving bevazicumab were identified as having reflux (n = 3) or no reflux (n = 15). Pre-injection average central foveal thickness (CFT) was 439 microns (µ) and post-injection average CFT was 417µ. The change in mean CFT was -22 µ (range -330 to 336 µ). 70 patients receiving ranibizumab (lucentis) were identified as having reflux (n = 22) or no reflux (n = 48). Average pre-injection CFT was 336 µ and post-injection average CFT was 289 µ. The change in mean CFT was -48 µ (range -163 to 443 µ). The change in CFT between the group with reflux and no reflux in bevazicumab and ranibizumab injections was statistically insignificant.

Conclusion: Reflux following injection of anti-VEGF agents does not appear to cause a sub-therapeutic effect.

Keywords::

• avastin
• lucentis
• bevazicumab
• ranibizumab
• injection
• reflux
• fovea
• odema
• dosage
• vitreous

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors ackowledge Richard Hancock for ophthalmic photography and images.

Declaration of interest: The authors have no declaration of interest.