Objective: To measure the changes in ganglion cell complex as measured on optical coherence tomography (OCT) after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (Avastin).
Study design: Quasi-experimental study.
Place and duration of study: Department of Ophthalmology, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, from March 2017 to April 2018.
Methodology: Patients presenting to the Eye OPD were assessed for diabetic macula edema requiring intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF. Patients having any coexisting ocular pathology hindering the OCT measurement, i.e. corneal opacity, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment or having macular edema secondary to other cases were excluded. Retinal ganglion cell complex thickness and signal strength was measured in superior, inferior, supero-nasal, superotemporal, infero-nasal and infero-temporal quadrants on OCT. Pre-injection, visual acuity was measured, OCT performed and the findings were recorded on a designed proforma. Post-injection, the patients were called for follow-up after one month at which time same measurements were evaluated. All the injections were administered by a single surgeon.
Results: The thickness of ganglion cell complex increased significantly (p <0.001) one month after Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab.
Conclusion: Intravitreal administration of bevacizumab in diabetic macular edema affects the measurement of retinal ganglion cell complex thickness on OCT.