OCT Macular Changes in Type 1 ROP following Ranibizumab Injections

Aim To investigate the OCT macular changes in type 1 ROP one month following Ranibizumab injections. Methods Preterm infants with type 1 ROP indicated for ranibizumab injections were included in this study. Handheld OCT imaging was performed at baseline, 1 week, and 1 month post injection. Central full thickness (CFT), inner retinal layer (IRL), and outer retinal layer (ORL) thickness measurements were taken from foveal center and parafoveal region. Results 24 eyes of 12 infants were included in this study. There were no significant changes in the mean CFT and IRL thickness at 1 month (p = 0.5 and 0.1 respectively). However, there was significant increase in the mean ORL thickness at 1 month (69.9 ± 16, 96.1 ± 25 at baseline and one month respectively, p < 0.001), with differentiation (appearance of IS/OS junction ± ELM) in 55.6% of eyes. Macular edema (ME) was observed in 12 eyes (50%) and was associated with smaller birth weight (p = 0.0290). There was no significant decrease in mean CFT in eyes with ME at 1 month (p = 0.13), with complete resolution in only 6 eyes (50%) during the study period. Regression of plus was associated with lower CFT (1 week and 1 month; p = 0.02 and 0.03, respectively). Conclusion Intravitreal ranibizumab in eyes with type 1 ROP is associated ORL thickening and earlier differentiation as well as IRL thinning but with inadequate resolution of ME.