title: Combined cataract extraction and intravitreal bevacizumab in eyes with choroidal neovascularization resulting from age-related macular degeneration.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the safety and efficacy of phacoemulsification, intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, and a single intravitreal injection of bevacizumab in patients with coexisting visually significant cataract and subfoveal neovascularization due to age-related macular degeneration.
  
  
  METHODS
  Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eyes with predominantly classic subfoveal neovascularization and cataract had phacoemulsification, IOL implantation, and a 1.25 mg intravitreal injection of bevacizumab. One month after combined surgery, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), anterior chamber reaction, and intraocular pressure were evaluated and central foveal thickness was measured by optical coherence tomography.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty eyes of 20 patients were evaluated. One month postoperatively, the mean CDVA improved significantly, from 20/100 (range 20/160 to 20/80) at baseline to 20/63 (range 20/125 to 20/50) (P<.0001). The mean central foveal thickness decreased significantly, from 353.75 microm +/- 12.50 (SD) (range 334 to 375 microm) at baseline to 275.7 +/- 17.3 microm (range 255 to 323 microm) at 1 month (P<.0001). Intraocular pressure did not change significantly, and anterior chamber reaction was absent. No ocular or systemic adverse events were observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Combined phacoemulsification, IOL implantation, and intravitreal bevacizumab was a safe and efficacious treatment in patients with visually significant cataract and active subfoveal neovascularization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Furino
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ferrara
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Cardascia
authors.forename: Gianluca
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Besozzi
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Alessio
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sborgia
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Boscia
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D002386:Cataract / Q000150:complications; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014822:Vitreous Body
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D000068258:Bevacizumab