To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) in the treatment of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) in eyes with normal tension glaucoma (NTG).
MethodsWe included 16 NTG eyes and 48 age- and sex-matched eyes without NTG that had received IVB for BRVO with more than 6 months of follow-up. The main outcome measures were log MAR best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after IVB. We compared the results according to the comorbidity associated with NTG.
ResultsThe obstruction site of BRVO was significantly closer to the optic disc in eyes with NTG than in eyes without NTG. Baseline log MAR BCVA and CMT were similar between the two groups. After IVB, postoperative BCVA was significantly improved and CMT was significantly reduced, irrespective of the comorbidity associated with NTG. However, vision improvement was more limited in eyes with NTG, while CMT was similarly reduced compared with that in eyes without NTG. The mean numbers of injections were similar between the two groups, and there were no injection-related complications.
ConclusionsIVB may have therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of BRVO associated with NTG. However, the comorbidity associated with NTG may limit vision improvement, although anatomic recovery of CMT is achieved.