Structural and functional changes among diabetes presenting with retinopathy following pre and post Anti-VEGF bevacizumab and ranibizumab

Diabetes Macular edema (DME) is a coexisting condition that occurs in conjunction with Diabetic Retinopathy, regardless of its severity. It has the potential to cause significant vision impairment ranging from mild to severe. If not addressed, it can also impact the eye's structure and visual results. The objective of this research to evaluate and compare the efficacy of two therapies, Bevacizumab and Ranibizumab, in managing diabetic retinopathy accompanied with macular edema. The goal was to determine the most efficient course of treatment. The ophthalmic evaluation included measurements of visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and central fovea thickness using standardized protocols. The study groups received Bevacizumab and Ranibizumab. The mean changes in BCVA, CS, and CFT were analyzed to determine any differences between the two groups over 4 weeks. The study comprised a sample of 30 individuals, corresponding to a total of 60 eyes, with an average age of 53.9±9.7 years. The average central foveal thickness (CFT) decreased significantly in group 2 (ΔCFT= 157±114.22 µm) after 4 weeks, but there was no significant change in group 1 (ΔCFT= 144.3±93.7µm; p=0.787). The group 2 participants had a significant improvement in BCVA and CS after 4 weeks, with a change in BCVA of 0.39±0.27 compared to 0.6±0.41 LogMAR (p<0.001). However, the statistical analysis showed that the impact of CS was not significant (p=0.311). Bevacizumab and ranibizumab had similar effects with a decrease in foveal thickness following a single dose. Anti-VEGF resulted in a decrease in foveal thickness within the same time period, proving to be equally effective. When it comes to short-term effects on structural and visual functions, bevacizumab and ranibizumab appear to be interchangeable.