Ranibizumab monotherapy for sub-foveal haemorrhage secondary to choroidal neovascularisation in age-related macular degeneration

Purpose In a retrospective review, the functional effects of intra-vitreal ranibizumab monotherapy in patients with sub-foveal haemorrhage secondary to choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) in age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) are reported. Patients and methods Twelve eyes of 12 patients were treated with intra-vitreal ranibizumab (0.5 mg in 0.05 ml) in accordance with current practice. Follow-up was arranged at monthly intervals. Eleven patients completed 6 months and seven completed 12 months of follow-up. Duration of haemorrhage, lesion size, ETDRS letter score at baseline, and follow-up were analysed. Results The mean time for complete clearance of sub-retinal haemorrhage was 4.7 months (range 3-7 months). After 6 months, visual acuity was stable or improved in 7 of 11 eyes and the mean change in ETDRS letter score was +7.6 letters (P>0.05). After 12 months, visual acuity was stable or improved in five of seven eyes and the mean change in ETDRS letter score was +7.3 letters (P>0.05). For the seven cases with 12 months of follow-up, a mean of six injections were given. Two patients had a decrease in acuity of 415 ETDRS letters during follow-up. No other local or systemic side-effects were reported. Conclusions Intra-vitreal ranibizumab monotherapy may be an effective treatment for subfoveal haemorrhage secondary to CNV in ARMD. Eye (2010) 24, 994-998; doi: 10.1038/eye.2009.271; published online 13 November 2009