Prophylactic Role of Intra-Vitreal Bevacizumab(Avastin) in Diabetic Patients Under Going Phacoemulcification

Abstract

Abstract
Objectives: To study the effect of pre-operative intra-vitreal Avastin (bevacizumab) in diabetic patients undergoing phacoemulcification on central macular thickness and best corrected visual acuity.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted which included 42 patients (N=42). Group A and B had 21 patients each. Group A patients received injection Avastin (Bevacizumab) one week before phacoemulcification and Group B patient underwent phacoemulcification alone. Pre-operative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) was recorded before giving intravitreal bevacizumab. Post-operative BCVA and CMT was noted 4 weeks after the surgery.

Results: The difference in final visual acuity between Group A and B was not statistically significant. Change
in CMT from pre-operative value was not significant in study population (p=0.364), but was statistically significant in both groups individually (p=0.029, 0.001 respectively).

Conclusion: Our study concludes that cataract surgery along with prophylacticintra-vitreal Avastin
(bevacizumab) may contribute in short term improvement of macular thickness, but does not have any
statistical significant effect on final BCVA.

Key Words: Bevacizumab (Avastin), Phacoemulcification, Best Corrected Visual Acuity, Centeral Macular Thickness (CMT)