Comparison of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Changes after Intravitreal Bevacizumab in Patients of Diabetic Macular Edema

Abstract

Diabetic macular edema is one of the leading causes of visual loss in diabetic patients. However, the impact of medicinal treatment on the occurrence of macular edema remained elusive. Objectives: This study was designed to determine the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab in patients of diabetic macular edema.
Methods: An interventional study was conducted on patients that underwent pre-injection and one-month post-injection OCT for RNFL thickness. OCT was performed by researchers and findings were recorded accordingly. The retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was measured in superior, inferior halves and total average thickness. Pre- and post-injection OCT were conduced and macular thickness were documented. Results: The mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was decreased in superior and inferior halves as well as in the total thickness. Conclusion: Intra vitreal bevacizumab decreases the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. Large randomized controlled trials are required to establish or rule out any association between this decrease in thickness and incidence if glaucoma in such patients.