Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology
Open Access

Abstract

Ranibizumab Monotherapy in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration with Pigment Epithelial Detachment

Abumere Akinwale, Moss Fenberg, Vanessa Vasquez and Deeba Husain

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of ranibizumab monotherapy in patients with neovascular age related macular degeneration (AMD) associated with a pigment epithelial detachment (PED).
Methods: A retrospective chart review of neovascular AMD with associated PED treated using initial three monthly doses of ranibizumab followed by as needed dosing. The response to treatment was assessed by evaluating changes in visual acuity and central macular thickness (CMT) by ocular coherence tomography. The total ranibizumab injections needed was also assessed.
Results: A total of 14 eyes from 12 patients were included in this study. The average follow up period was 35 months (range 17 - 62 months). The mean logMAR visual acuity decreased from 0.596 (snellen ~ 20/80) to 1.018 (snellen ~20/200), however this was not statistically significant (p=0.05). The mean central macular thickness (CMT) also decreased from initial CMT 258 to final CMT 277.08. There was no statistically significant difference between the initial and final CMT (p=0.60). An average of 10 ranibizumab injections per eye (range 3-23 injections) was administered over the duration of the study.
Conclusions: Our pilot study suggests that ranibizumab monotherapy administered on an as needed basis, in cases of patients with neovascular AMD with PED may be of questionable benefit. The treatment modality appeared to be ineffective in improving visual acuity as well as CMT. Combined treatment approaches may be necessary at an early stage to prevent visual loss in these cases.