Intravitreal ranibizumab and bevacizumab to treat diabetic macular edema

Abstract Purpose To report the comparative efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab and ranibizumab in the treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DME). Methods Interventional, case report series. Two patients who were on treatment for DME by monthly intravitreal ranibizumab in one eye, were started on treatment by intravitreal bevacizumab for DME in the fellow eye. The patients were monthly evaluated by complete ocular examination, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) performed by certified optometrists and Stratus optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results Eyes treated by intravitreal ranibizumab showed a complete resolution of DME as documented by OCT and significantly improved BCVA. DME recurred after two to three months requiring further injections. The fellow eyes showed a progression of DME and decreased BCVA while untreated. Intravitreal bevacizumab did not induce any significant change in macular thickness or BCVA and did not prevent DME progression. Conclusion Intravitreal ranibizumab seems to improve BCVA and macular thickness in DME though recurrence of the condition makes it necessary to repeat intravitreal injections. Intravitreal bevacizumab does not seem to reduce macular thickness or improve visual function in patients with DME in whom good results had been observed after intravitreal ranibizumab. Commercial interest