IVB combined with panretinal photocoagulation in the treatment of open angle neovascular glaucoma

Findings published in the European Journal of Ophthalmology have found that intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) combined with panretinal photocoagulation in patients with open angle neovascular glaucoma (NVG) can reduce iris and angle neovascularization and temporarily inhibit further PAS formation.

Nine patients (9 eyes) with NVG participated in the study. Patients received IVB (1.25 mg) as the initial treatment for NVG and were followed up for at least 4 months. IVB was offered as the first treatment of choice to patients with NVG. Panretinal photocoagulation was performed as soon as feasible after the second week and completed in all patients the fourth week after IVB. The main outcome measures are resolution of INV, inhibition of peripheral anterior synechia (PAS), and controllability of intraocular pressure (IOP).

The mean follow-up period was 5.6±1.4 months (range, 4–9 months). The mean IOP before treatment was 35.1±9.7 mmHg (range, 24–56) under medication before IVB treatment. After IVB and after combined treatment, the mean IOP was reduced to 22.8±8.1 mmHg (range, 9–33) and 13.0±4.0 mmHg (range, 7–20), respectively. The mean referral INV was 3.6±0.4 grade (range, 3–4) and reduced to 1.6±0.4 (range 1–2) grade after IVB and 0.6±0.8 (range 0–2) grade after combined therapy. By IVB, combined panretinal photocoagulation recurrence of INV was not observed.