Intravitreal bevacizumab versus ranibizumab: Effects on the vessels of the fellow non-treated eye

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGF) on the vessels of the non-treated eyes following intravitreal injections. Methods: In this prospective, non-randomized trial, a total of 38 patients were recruited. 21 patients received ranibizumab, and 17 patients received bevacizumab. Fundus photography was carried out at baseline immediately before injection and at 3 days, 7 days, and one month after the injections. Using image analysis software, measurements were summarized as the central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal vein equivalent. Results: In non-treated eyes, CRAE decreased significantly from 153.23 ± 15.20 μm before injection to 148.77 ± 17.21 μm 3 days after intravitreal bevacizumab (P = 0.004). There was no significant difference in CRAE, between the pre-injection baseline, one week, and one month after intravitreal bevacizumab injection in non-treated eyes (P > 0.05). No significant difference was noted in CRAE in the non-treated eyes of the ranibizumab group at any post-injection visit (P = 0.1). Conclusion: A significant transient narrowing effect of bevacizumab on retinal arterioles in the fellow non-treated eyes on the third day after intravitreal injection may show that plasma concentrations of these drugs are sufficient to spread the effect to the other eye. Keywords: Intravitreal, Bevacizumab, Ranibizumab, Systemic effect, Vessel diameter, Anti-vascular endothelial growth factors