Purpose: To evaluate long-term morphologic and functional changes after intravitreal ranibizumab in avascular pigment epithelial detachment (PED) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Patients and methods: Interventional, prospective case series; the first group of six patients received three and the second group of six patients received six intravitreal injections of ranibizumab (0.5 mg) at monthly intervals. Outcome measures included the change of PED and retinal volume as determined by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (Cirrus), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study), and macular sensitivity using microperimetry (MP-1; Nidek Co. Ltd).
Results: The mean baseline PED volume of 1.33 mm3 decreased significantly by 42% at month 6 (-0.55 mm3, P<0.05). Compared to baseline no significant change was observed at months 9 and 12. BCVA, retinal volume, and macular sensitivity remained stable during the entire follow-up. In one case a tear of the retinal pigment epithelium was observed after five injections with a consequent decrease of BCVA of four lines.
Conclusion: Treatment with intravitreal injections of ranibizumab may temporarily decrease the volume of avascular PED secondary to AMD, however this effect was not maintained over the 1-year study period. The treatment was ineffective for improving retinal function as measured with BCVA and microperimetry.