Role of intravitreal bevacizumab in the management of Eales' disease.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of intravitreal bevacizumab in the treatment of Eales' disease. Study design Retrospective, interventional case series.

METHODS: Two patients with proliferative Eales' disease were managed with an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (1.25 mg). The presence of persistent retinal neovascularization despite adequate laser photocoagulation caused recurrent episodes of vitreous hemorrhage in the first patient. The second patient had florid retinal and disc neovascularization with a dispersed vitreous bleed, which prevented laser therapy. Both patients were followed up for 6 months.

RESULTS: Rapid regression of the retinal neovascularization and clearing of the vitreous hemorrhage were observed in both cases following intravitreal bevacizumab therapy, allowing laser photocoagulation. In both patients, the visual acuity improved, and no signs of recurrence were observed 6 months post-treatment.

CONCLUSION: Intravitreal bevacizumab injections may be effective as an adjunctive or alternative treatment of retinal neovascularization in Eales' disease, where inadequate visualization precludes laser photocoagulation. This approach may also be useful in avoiding vitreoretinal surgical intervention in certain cases. Intravitreal bevacizumab was well tolerated by our patients, and no adverse effects were observed.