Long-Term Effect of Intravitreal Ranibizumab Injection on Choroidal Neovascularization in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate long-term efficacy and safety of intravitreal ranibizumab on choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Korean patients over a 2-year period. METHODS: Twenty-three eyes of 23 patients who underwent intravitreal ranibizumab injection for secondary CNV in AMD were followed up more than 2 years, and their records were retrospectively investigated. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CRT) were compared at baseline and at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after injection. RESULTS: The mean BCVA (log MAR) was 0.58 +/- 0.36, 0.54 +/- 0.49, 0.59 +/- 0.49, 0.64 +/- 0.51, and 0.61 +/- 0.51 at baseline, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months, respectively (p = 0.332, p = 1.000, p = 0.670, p = 0.697). The mean CRT was 283.75 +/- 61.41 microm, 239.93 +/- 53.12 microm, 244.89 +/- 47.44 microm, 246.36 +/- 55.78, and 244.70 +/- 54.86 at baseline, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months, respectively (p = 0.009, p = 0.036, p = 0.01, p = 0.015). The mean number of injection was 5.96 +/- 2.93 over a 2-year period. CONCLUSIONS: In Korean patients who underwent intravitreal ranibizumab injection for secondary CNV in AMD, long-term efficacy in diminishing CRT was evident. However, long-term efficacy in increasing visual acuity was not observed.