Intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) for primary treatment of diabetic macular oedema

Incidence of Posterior Capsule Rupture During Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery Among Patients Treated With Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injections

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether intravitreal bevacizumab injections increase the risk of posterior capsular rupture during phacoemulsification cataract surgery in diabetic patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study that included diabetic patients who underwent phacoemulsification cataract surgery at King Hussein Medical Center of the Jordanian Royal Medical Services during a one-year period from January 2023 until January 2024. Patients were categorized into four groups. The first group did not receive an intravitreal bevacizumab injection; the second group received only one injection; the third group received two injections; and the fourth group received three or more injections. Results from the four groups were compared with a control group for patients who underwent phacoemulsification surgery and were not known to have diabetes mellitus and did not receive previous intravitreal injections. All injections were received within a period of one year before the time of phacoemulsification surgery. Inclusion criteria for the study groups included diabetic patients with a history of diabetes of more than 10 years with the presence of diabetic retinopathy. Exclusion criteria included patients who received intravitreal injections other than bevacizumab, previous intraocular surgery or trauma, and the presence of ocular pathology that led to an increased risk of posterior capsular rupture. The incidence of posterior capsular rupture was compared among these groups. A p-value was used to assess statistical significance and was considered to be statistically significant if ≤0.05.

RESULTS

The number of patients in the control group (group 0) was 1440 patients with a mean age of 64.9, and in the study groups were 1306 patients. Group 1 included 244 patients (18.7%) with a mean age of 62.4 years, compared to 306 patients (23.4%) in group 2 with a mean age of 66.1 years, 352 patients (27%) in group 3 with a mean age of 64.2 years, and 404 patients (30.9%) in group 4 with a mean age of 63.1 years. Posterior capsular rupture occurred more significantly in patients with group 4. It occurred in 21 patients, representing 5.2% of them, compared to four patients (1.6%) of group 1, six patients (2%) of group 2, and eight patients (2.3%) of group 3, while in the control group, the number of patients with posterior capsular rupture was 20 (1.4%).

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal bevacizumab in diabetic patients is considered a risk factor for posterior capsular rupture in phacoemulsification cataract surgery in patients receiving more than three injections.

Efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab on diabetic macular oedema in an African population

PURPOSE

To evaluate the short-term effect of intravitreal bevacizumab (avastin) injection on visual outcomes of patients with diabetic macular oedema.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate 39 eyes of thirty-nine patients (mean age ± SD: 61.4 ± 15.0 years) that received intravitreal bevacizumab injection (1.25 mg in 0.05 ml) as treatment for diabetic macular oedema between January 2014 and July 2019 in Ghana. Data on visual acuity and central macular thickness before treatment and 6 weeks post-treatment were collected and analysed using paired t-test. Ordinary least squares linear regression analysis was also conducted to determine the relationship between improvement in visual acuity and central macular thickness after treatment and other predictor variables.

RESULTS

The mean ± SD visual acuity (LogMAR-equivalent of Snellen) of patients with diabetic macular oedema significantly improved from 0.84 ± 0.58 LogMAR before treatment to 0.69 ± 0.58 LogMAR at 6 weeks post-treatment (mean difference: 0.15 ± 0.32 LogMAR; 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.25; p = 0.01). Mean macular thickness ± SD on the other hand, reduced significantly (p < 0.001) from 316.54 ± 75.35 μm before treatment to 275.54 ± 57.43 μm after treatment. While age and worse pre-treatment visual acuity predicted improvement in visual acuity after treatment, a higher central macular thickness before treatment predicted an improvement in central macular thickness after intravitreal bevacizumab injection.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab injection produces short-term improvement in vision and reduction in central macular thickness in African patients with diabetic macular oedema.

The effect of baseline intraocular pressure and anterior segment parameters on intraocular pressure after intravitreal bevacizumab injection

PURPOSE

We aimed to compare the predictive effect of pre-injection intraocular pressure (IOP) and anterior segment parameters on post-injection IOP values after intravitreal bevacizumab injection for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NVAMD) in phakic and pseudophakic patient groups.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study included 65 eyes of 65 treatment-naive NVAMD patients. Patients were divided into two groups according to their lens status (35 phakic and 30 pseudophakic patients). Pre-injection IOP, anterior segment parameters measured with PENTACAM, and post-injection IOP values measured at the 5th minute were recorded. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to recognise the predictive effect of pre-injection IOP and anterior segment parameters on post-injection IOP for each group.

RESULTS

Multivariate regression analyses showed that the decrease in anterior chamber depth (ACD), and the increase in pre-injection IOP were significantly correlated with higher post-injection IOP in the phakic patient group (p = 0.019 and 0.031; respectively). No correlation was found in the pseudophakic patient group.

CONCLUSION

Pre-injection ACD and IOP values may be predictive of higher post-injection IOP in phakic patients. Preoperative assessment of these parameters could be beneficial in patients at risk of glaucoma.

The Risk of Non-arteritic Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Post-intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection

OBJECTIVES

To report the incidence of non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy in diabetic patients treated with intravitreal bevacizumab injection.

METHODS

A prospective comparative analytic study was done in the King Hussein Medical Center during the period between June 2020 and June 2021. Inclusion criteria included diabetic patients who attended a retina clinic. Exclusion criteria included patients with pre-existing ischemic optic neuropathy. Patients were divided into two groups. The first group included diabetic patients who did not require bevacizumab injection and were treated either with follow-up visits or pan-retinal photocoagulation, and the second group included patients who were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab. Patients were followed up for a period of one year. Data collected in two groups included the total number of patients and the number of patients with non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy. Results were compared in both groups. A P-value was used to study the statistical significance and was considered to be statistically significant if ≤0.05.

RESULTS

The mean age for patients in group 1 was 64.3 years, with a male to female ratio of 1.1 to 1. In group 2, the mean age was 66.2 years, with a male to female ratio of 1.2 to 1. The total number of patients in group 1 was 7375, among whom 68 patients had non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy. While in group 2, the total number was 2468 and 49 of them had non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy. Most cases of non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy were seen in patients who had received three or more injections.  Conclusion: Intravitreal bevacizumab in diabetic patients is considered a risk factor for the development of non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy, especially in patients receiving more than three injections.

The short-term effects of intravitreal bevacizumab injection on intraocular pressure, cornea, iridocorneal angle, and anterior chamber

Background:

Transient increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), changes in anterior chamber parameters, and changes in aqueous humor dynamics may occur after intravitreal injections because of intravitreal volume changes.

Objective:

In this observational study, we investigated the early effects of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection on IOP, central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal volume (CV), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and iridocorneal angle (ICA).

Method:

The patients who had one single-dose IVB (2.5 mg/0.1 mL) injection were included in the study. The patients underwent IOP, CCT, CV, ACD, and ICA measurements before and 1 h and 1 day after the injection. Pre-injection and post-injection values were compared.

Results:

Forty-two eyes of 42 patients were included in the study, and the mean age of patients was 60.1 ± 7.4 years. The mean IOP measurements before and after injection at 1 h and day 1 were 15 ± 2.4, 17.4 ± 2.4, and 14.7 ± 2.3, respectively. The mean IOP, CCT, and CV values 1 h after injection were significantly higher than pre-injection values (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, and p = 0.02, respectively). Conversely, mean ACD and ICA values 1 h after injection were significantly lower than pre-injection values (p = 0.01 for both). There were no statistically significant differences on the first day after injection for all parameters.

Conclusion:

IVB (2.5 mg/0.1 mL) injection causes transient increases in IOP and transient decreases in ACD and ICA at the first hour after injection. Related to elevation in IOP, CCT and CV may increase transiently. These changes return to baseline values on the first day after injection.

Diabetic vascular hyperpermeability: optical coherence tomography angiography and functional loss assessments of relationships among retinal vasculature changes

Our study assessed the influence of vascular permeability on vascular flow density (FD)-correlated retinal sensitivity (RS) in DR. In this cross-sectional, prospective, consecutive study, RS in the extrafoveal macula of DR patient was measured by microperimetry. FD was measured in the total, superficial, and deep capillary plexus layers (TCP, SCP, and DCP) by optical coherence tomography angiography. All measurement points were classified into four categories according to intensity of fluorescein leakage and FD, and the RS reduction was compared. A stratified analysis by retinal thickness (RT) was also performed. Fourteen eyes (14 patients) were enrolled. FDs at 207 RS measurement points were analyzable. For TCP, SCP and DCP, the leakage did not decrease RS at points where FD was maintained. The greater the leakage, the smaller the RS reduction at points with low FD in TCP (P = .020). Points with high leakage showed a significant smaller RS reduction than points with low leakage (P = .001 for TCP, P = .040 for SCP, and P = .046 for DCP) only in areas with low RT and low FD. Our results suggested that vascular hyperpermeability may inhibit the RS reduction in the non-edematous ischemic diabetic retina.

Adipose stem cells and their paracrine factors are therapeutic for early retinal complications of diabetes in the Ins2Akita mouse

BACKGROUND

Early-stage diabetic retinopathy (DR) is characterized by neurovascular defects. In this study, we hypothesized that human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) positive for the pericyte marker CD140b, or their secreted paracrine factors, therapeutically rescue early-stage DR features in an Ins2Akita mouse model.

METHODS

Ins2Akita mice at 24 weeks of age received intravitreal injections of CD140b-positive ASCs (1000 cells/1 μL) or 20× conditioned media from cytokine-primed ASCs (ASC-CM, 1 μL). Age-matched wildtype mice that received saline served as controls. Visual function experiments and histological analyses were performed 3 weeks post intravitreal injection. Biochemical and molecular analyses assessed the ASC-CM composition and its biological effects.

RESULTS

Three weeks post-injection, Ins2Akita mice that received ASCs had ameliorated decreased b-wave amplitudes and vascular leakage but failed to improve visual acuity, whereas Ins2Akita mice that received ASC-CM demonstrated amelioration of all aforementioned visual deficits. The ASC-CM group demonstrated partial amelioration of retinal GFAP immunoreactivity and DR-related gene expression but the ASC group did not. While Ins2Akita mice that received ASCs exhibited occasional (1 in 8) hemorrhagic retinas, mice that received ASC-CM had no adverse complications. In vitro, ASC-CM protected against TNFα-induced retinal endothelial permeability as measured by transendothelial electrical resistance. Biochemical and molecular analyses demonstrated several anti-inflammatory proteins including TSG-6 being highly expressed in cytokine-primed ASC-CM.

CONCLUSIONS

ASCs or their secreted factors mitigate retinal complications of diabetes in the Ins2Akita model. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether ASCs or their secreted factors are safe and effective therapeutic modalities long-term as current locally delivered therapies fail to effectively mitigate the progression of early-stage DR. Nonetheless, our study sheds new light on the therapeutic mechanisms of adult stem cells, with implications for assessing relative risks/benefits of experimental regenerative therapies for vision loss.

Experiences and perceptions of patients undergoing treatment and quality of life impact of diabetic macular edema: a systematic review

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a common cause of visual impairment. Current treatments for DME include laser photocoagulation, corticosteroids and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) antagonists, which are administered via intravitreal injection. The purpose of this systematic review is to explore the experiences and perceptions of patients undergoing laser, corticosteroid implants and intravitreal injection treatment for DME and the impact on Quality of Life (QoL). A systematic search of the Embase, Medline, PsycINFO and Cinahl electronic databases was conducted to identify all studies with an unlimited date range, published in the English language, full text and incorporating human participants. Hand searching identified two articles. Following the application of the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) Quantitative and Qualitative Research Checklist 21 articles were selected for inclusion, as they were deemed pertinent for the purpose of this review. Limited studies have examined DME patients' experiences and perceptions of treatment and QoL. The outcomes of these studies lack agreement on the effectiveness of treatment, treatment preferences and impact of QoL in patients with DME. Future research which enhances current knowledge will therefore serve to improve treatment outcomes and QoL in these patients.

The combination of phacoemulsification surgery and intravitreal triamcinolone injection in patients with cataract and diabetic macular edema

PURPOSE

To assess the safety and efficiency of combined phacoemulsification (PHACO) surgery and intravitreal triamcinolone (IVTA) injection with or without macular grid laser photocoagulation in patients with cataract and diabetic macular edema.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This prospective study included 41 eyes of 36 diabetic patients with cataract and coexisting clinically significant macular edema (CSME). After PHACO and IVTA injection eyes were divided into two groups: the laser and IVTA group (Group 1) and only IVTA group (Group 2). Preoperative and postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and intraocular pressure (IOP) were recorded. Paired sample t-test was used to compare data in the groups and C square test for qualitative variables.

RESULTS

Postoperative BCVA was significantly higher than the initial BCVA during the follow-up period in both groups (p < 0.01). The BCVA 6 months after surgery was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (p < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in IOP between two groups preoperatively and postoperatively during the follow-up period (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between both groups in mean CMT preoperatively and 2nd week, 2nd month and 3rd month after surgery (p > 0.05). The mean CMT 6 months after surgery was statistically significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2 (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

PHACO surgery combined with IVTA injection improves BCVA and provides a decrease in CMT in diabetic patients with CSME. Additional macular grid laser photocoagulation after surgery helps to preserve this improvement in BCVA and decrease in CMT.

Sustained intraocular VEGF neutralization results in retinal neurodegeneration in the Ins2(Akita) diabetic mouse

Current therapies that target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have become a mainstream therapy for the management of diabetic macular oedema. The treatment involves monthly repeated intravitreal injections of VEGF inhibitors. VEGF is an important growth factor for many retinal cells, including different types of neurons. In this study, we investigated the adverse effect of multiple intravitreal anti-VEGF injections (200 ng/μl/eye anti-mouse VEGF164, once every 2 weeks totalling 5-6 injections) to retinal neurons in Ins2(Akita) diabetic mice. Funduscopic examination revealed the development of cotton wool spot-like lesions in anti-VEGF treated Ins2(Akita) mice after 5 injections. Histological investigation showed focal swellings of retinal nerve fibres with neurofilament disruption. Furthermore, anti-VEGF-treated Ins2(Akita) mice exhibited impaired electroretinographic responses, characterized by reduced scotopic a- and b-wave and oscillatory potentials. Immunofluorescent staining revealed impairment of photoreceptors, disruptions of synaptic structures and loss of amacrine and retinal ganglion cells in anti-VEGF treated Ins2(Akita) mice. Anti-VEGF-treated WT mice also presented mild amacrine and ganglion cell death, but no overt abnormalities in photoreceptors and synaptic structures. At the vascular level, exacerbated albumin leakage was observed in anti-VEGF injected diabetic mice. Our results suggest that sustained intraocular VEGF neutralization induces retinal neurodegeneration and vascular damage in the diabetic eye.

Primary effects of intravitreal bevacizumab in patients with diabetic macular edema

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of primary intra vitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection on macular edema in diabetic patients with improvement in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) on optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods: This prospective interventional case series study was conducted at Retina Clinic, Al-Ibrahim Eye Hospital, and Isra Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology Karachi. Between December 2010 to June 2012. BCVA measurement with Early Treatment in Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) charts and ophthalmic examination, including Slit-lamp bio microscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and OCT were done at the base line examination. At monthly interval all patients were treated with 3 injections of 0.05 ml intra vitreal injection containing 1.25 mg bevacizumab. Patients were followed up for 6 months and BCVA and OCT were taken at the final visit at 6 month.

Results: The mean BCVA at base line was 0.42±0.14 Log Mar units. This improved to 0.34±0.13, 0.25±0.12, 0.17±0.12 and 0.16±0.14 Log Mar units at 1 month after 1^st, 2^nd 3^rd injections and at final visit at 6 months respectively, a difference that was statistically significant (P>0.0001) from base line. The mean 1mm CMT measurement was 452.9 ± 143.1 µm at base line, improving to 279.8 ± 65.2 µm (P<0.0001) on final visit. No serious complications were observed.

Conclusions: Primary IVB at a dose of 1.25 mg on monthly interval seems to provide stability and improvement in BCVA and CMT in patient with DME.

Neuropeptides and diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy, a common complication of diabetes, develops in 75% of patients with type 1 and 50% of patients with type 2 diabetes, progressing to legal blindness in about 5%. In the recent years, considerable efforts have been put into finding treatments for this condition. It has been discovered that peptidergic mechanisms (neuropeptides and their analogues, activating a diverse array of signal transduction pathways through their multiple receptors) are potentially important for consideration in drug development strategies. A considerable amount of knowledge has been accumulated over the last three decades on human retinal neuropeptides and those elements in the pathomechanisms of diabetic retinopathy which might be related to peptidergic signal transduction. Here, human retinal neuropeptides and their receptors are reviewed, along with the theories relevant to the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy both in humans and in experimental models. By collating this information, the curative potential of certain neupeptides and their analogues/antagonists can also be discussed, along with the existing clinical treatments of diabetic retinopathy. The most promising peptidergic pathways for which treatment strategies may be developed at present are stimulation of the somatostatin-related pathway and the pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating polypeptide-related pathway or inhibition of angiotensinergic mechanisms. These approaches may result in the inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor production and neuronal apoptosis; therefore, both the optical quality of the image and the processing capability of the neural circuit in the retina may be saved.

Intravitreal bevacizumab in persistent retinopathy secondary to malignant hypertension

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection in persistent retinopathy secondary to malignant hypertension (MHT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Single IVB injection of 1.25 mg/0.05 ml in 12 cases with persistent retinopathy secondary to MHT more than one month after control of MHT with pre and post injection evaluation of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and anatomical outcome up to sixth month and postinjection complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

Progressive reductions in retinal hemorrhages, exudates, cotton-wool spots, and macular star were documented by photography, angiography, and central macular thickness (CMT) measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. Decreased macular edema was the most common finding. Improvement or stabilization of visual acuity was noted in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to proper medical management of MHT, IVB injection is an effective and safe approach to treat persistent retinopathy associated with MHT.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce vascular endothelial growth factor production and suppress endothelial wound repair

Long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have diverse beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases and have been used widely as supplements in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The beneficial effects are believed to be related to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action of n-3 PUFA. EPA and DHA can inhibit inflammatory cytokine-induced endothelial activation and reduce endothelial migration and proliferation. Revascularisation is the major therapeutic approach for end-stage cardiovascular diseases, and endothelial migration and proliferation are essential for the success of revascularisation. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of n-3 PUFAs on vascular endothelial wound repair. A scratch-wound repair assay was carried out in cultured human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) with and without different concentrations of DHA or EPA. The effect of DHA and EPA on HMEC-1 proliferation was examined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The effect of DHA and EPA on vegf mRNA expression was detected by real-time RT-PCR and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein secretion by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. DHA and EPA dose-dependently suppressed HMEC-1 cell proliferation and wound repair. DHA and EPA treatment did not induce significant HMEC-1 cell death. The treatment, however, significantly suppressed vegf mRNA expression and protein secretion in both normoxia and hypoxia culture conditions. The addition of exogenous VEGF prevented DHA- and EPA-mediated suppression of HMEC-1 cell proliferation. DHA and EPA have anti-angiogenic effect partially through vegf suppression. The use of DHA and EPA may benefit angiogenic diseases, but may have potential side effects to patients undergoing revascularisation therapy. Further studies will be required to confirm the effect of n-3 PUFAs on vascular repair.

Diabetic retinopathy - An update

Management of diabetes should involve both systemic and ocular aspects. Control of hyperglycemia, hypertension and dyslipidemia are of major role in the management of diabetic retinopathy. In the ocular part; laser treatment remains the cornerstone of treatment of diabetic macular edema (focal/grid), severe non-proliferative and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (panretinal photocoagulation). There is a strong support to combination therapy. Using one or two intravitreal injections such as anti-VEGF and or steroid to reduce central macular thickness followed by focal or grid laser to give a sustained response may offer an alternative to treatment in diabetic macular edema. Anti-VEGF were found to be effective as an adjunct therapy in proliferative diabetic retinopathy patient who is going to have vitrectomy for vitreous hemorrhage with neovascularization, panretinal photocoagulation, and other ocular surgery such as cases with neovascular glaucoma and cataract with refractory macular edema.

Intravitreal bevacizumab for pediatric exudative retinal diseases

PURPOSE

To detect if intravitreal bevacizumab can reduce retinal exudation, improve visual and anatomical outcomes, and facilitate the treatment in various pediatric exudative retinal diseases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Prospective, non-randomized, case series of nine eyes of pediatric exudative retinal diseases less than 18 years old which included six eyes with juvenile diabetic retinopathy, two eyes in children with Coats' disease, and one eye with myopic choroidal neovascular membrane (CNV). All eyes received only intravitreal bevacizumab injection 1.25 mg/0.05 ml as the primary treatment. The need for adjuvant ablative procedures, including laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy, were performed and recorded. The need for supplementary intravitreal bevacizumab injection was recorded. The changes in pre- and post-operative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were recorded. Serial optical coherent tomography (OCT) and fundus flourescein angiography (FFA) were performed to follow treatment efficacy.

RESULTS

The study included 19 eyes of 11 patients with age equal to or less than eighteen years with exudative retinal diseases including type I DM (n = sixteen eyes), Coats' disease (n = 2 eyes), and due to myopic CNV (n = 1 eye). Mean pre-injection log MAR for all was 0.605 ± 0.174 and mean post-injection for all log MAR was 0.284 ± 0.247. While Mean pre-injection log MAR for DR and myopic CNV patients was 0.576 + 0.152 SD and mean post-injection log MAR for DR and myopic CNV patients was 0.229 + 0.189 at one year. Serial OCT measurements showed that mean CMT for all eyes was 355.8 ± 35.3 μm SD at baseline, which was decreased to 222.42 + 26.2 μm SD. The two eyes of Coats' disease needed another two supplementary intravitreal bevacizumab injections. No ocular or systemic complications related to bevacizumab were noted during the entire course of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal bevacizumab appears to be a well-tolerated treatment for pediatric age group with various exudative retinal diseases. It has the potential as an adjuvant therapy for ablative procedures to improve final visual and anatomical outcome.

Bevacizumab (Avastin) for the treatment of ocular disease

The use of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) has greatly expanded since its introduction into ophthalmic care 3 years ago. A PubMed search on 1 August 2008 revealed 51 ocular disease processes that have been treated with bevacizumab. The majority of publications consist of case reports or retrospective case series and their number is increasing quickly. It is important to collate the experiences gained to date to properly inform our clinical decision making and improve the design of future clinical trials. Current studies cannot easily be combined in a meta-analysis given the lack of standardized data and the wide variety of disorders studied in small numbers. This paper will describe the attempted uses of intravitreal bevacizumab and its efficacy for each ocular disease in addition to discussing safety. Comments regarding appropriate use of this treatment are based on our current level of knowledge. It is clear that the initial encouraging results described in this paper warrant further study of intravitreal bevacizumab in larger, controlled, randomized trials.