The Role of Perioperative Anti-VEGF During Vitrectomy for Vitreous Hemorrhage in Relation to Postoperative Nonclearing Vitreous Hemorrhage and Cystoid Macular Edema

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the role of perioperative anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) on the incidence of rebleed and foveal thickness in patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage due to retinal vascular disorders. Design: Retrospective, randomized, comparative interventional study. Methods: Three hundred twelve eyes were assigned to group A (eyes undergoing PPV without anti-VEGF, n = 165) and group B (eyes undergoing PPV with anti-VEGF, n = 147) and were followed up for a minimum of 6 months. The incidence of rebleed and 1 month postoperative central foveal thickness (CFT) was recorded and analyzed. Results: The incidence of postoperative vitreous hemorrhage (POVH) in group A was 21.81%, which was significantly ( P = .025) higher than in group B (12.24%). Mean CFT in group A (289.24 ± 49.47 μm) was higher as compared to group B (263.42 ± 94.42), but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Perioperative intravitreal anti-VEGF given at the end of the surgery significantly reduces the incidence of POVH and helps in achieving better CFT postoperatively.