Background and Objective:
This study explores the connection between macular atrophy (MA) status at baseline and best visual acuity (BVA) after 5 to 7 years of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections on eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).
Patients and Methods:
This retrospective study included patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration receiving anti-VEGF injections at least twice-yearly for 5+ years at Cole Eye Institute. Analyses of variance and linear regressions explored the connection between MA status, baseline MA intensity, and 5-year BVA change.
Results:
Of 223 included patients, 5-year BVA change was not statistically significant between MA status groups or from baseline. The population's average 7-year BVA change was −6.3 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters. Type and frequency of anti-VEGF injections were comparable between MA status groups (
P
> 0.05).
Conclusion:
Regardless of MA status, 5- and 7-year BVA change lacked clinical relevance. If receiving regular treatment for 5+ years, patients with baseline MA achieve comparable visual outcomes to those without MA, with similar treatment and visit burdens.
[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
2023;54:223–230.]
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