Anti-Vegf for Macular Oedema Secondary to Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

Summary

A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 6 studies with a total of 937 subjects comparing outcomes at 6 months to sham injection for 4 anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents: aflibercept (VEGF Trap-Eye, Eylea), bevacizumab (Avastin), pegaptanib sodium (Macugen) and ranibizumab (Lucentis). Treatment with anti-VEGF agents increased the chance of a significant gain in vision at 6 months compared to sham injections. One study demonstrated sustained benefit at 12 months. The risk of losing significant vision was reduced by 80% in those receiving anti-VEGF therapy compared to those receiving sham treatment. Participants receiving anti-VEGF treatment had a greater reduction in mean central retinal thickness from baseline to 6 months than patients receiving sham, indicating enhanced resolution of macular oedema (table T1). No significant safety concerns were identified at 6 or 12 months, but the available studies did not allow a conclusion about their long-term effectiveness and safety to be drawn.