To evaluate the effect of simultaneous usage of bevacizumab and silicone oil injection after vitrectomy for the treatment of diabetic tractional retinal detachment

Twenty five patients (25 eyes) with severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy were recruited into the study. All eyes underwent a single intravitreal injection of bevacizumab 1.25 mg in 0.05 ml after vitrectomy for the management of tractional retinal detachment or vitreous hemorrhage due to severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The main outcome measures were regression of neovascularization, intraocular pressure, visual acuity and retinal reattachment.

This study evaluated 25 eyes of 25 patients (12 men, 13 women) with a mean age of 55.68±6.94 years (range 21 to 49 years). In all eyes visual acuity improved and retinal attachment was accomplished. The mean preoperative visual acuity was 2.01±0.03 Log MAR which significantly improved to 1.10±0.50 Log MAR in 6th month after surgery (p<0.000). Active neovascularization regressed significantly (p<0.004) and intraocular pressure was controlled in 88% of patients.

The findings of our study suggest that simultaneous injection of Bevacizumab and silicone oil after vitrectomy improve early results. We have found it to be particularly useful in diabetic eyes with tractional detachments of short duration.