Purpose: The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is elevated in diabetic macular edema (DME). Bevacizumab binds to and inhibits multiple VEGF variants. We investigated the safety and efficacy of bevacizumab in DME involving the foveal center.
Metods: This was a 6 months, prospective, consecutive, non-comparative, interventional case series with eyes (age >18 years, type 1 or 2 diabetes, and best corrected visual acuity [BCVA] of 73–39 ETDRS letters [Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study].
Results: At month 6, mean ± SD BCVA improved from baseline by 10.3 ± 9.1 letters (P < 0.0001). Safety data were consistent with previous studies of intravitreal ranibizumab.
Conclusion: Bevacizumab is effective in improving BCVA and is well tolerated in DME. Future clinical trials are required to confirm its long-term efficacy and safety.
