Psychological impact of anti-VEGF treatments for wet macular degeneration—a review

Abstract

PurposeTo review the current literature on the psychological impact of anti-VEGF treatments for wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD), in terms of patients’ experiences of receiving these treatments, and the impact of these treatments for patients’ mental health and quality of life.MethodsWe critically analyzed current literature evaluating psychological impact of anti-VEGF treatments for wAMD. Primary searches of PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science were conducted in July and August of 2015. We reviewed all papers on the topic published until August 5, 2015.ResultsOur literature search found 14 papers addressing the psychological impact of anti-VEGF treatments for wAMD. Results highlighted potential anxieties and experiences of pain caused by receiving regular intravitreal injections. A positive visual outcome of anti-VEGF therapy is associated with positive vision-related QOL outcomes, although such association seems to be dependent on improvements on visual acuity. In the literature reviewed, patients receiving anti-VEGF treatments showed a prevalence rate of depression between 20 and 26 %.ConclusionsAlthough anti-VEGF treatments can cause some anxiety and being experienced as a stressful event, especially in the beginning of the treatment, preliminary findings suggest a potential benefit for long-term vision-related quality of life. Further longitudinal and qualitative research should bring more evidence on the positive and negative effects of these treatments on patients’ long-term mental health.

Development and testing of a patient‐derived questionnaire for treatment of neovascular age‐related macular degeneration: dimensions of importance in treatment of neovascular age‐related macular degeneration

“…Kandula et al reported that the patients felt hopeful about the prospect of receiving intravitreal injections which is similar to one of our most frequently reported dimensions: receive treatment to keep vision. Other dimensions included in DITAMD questionnaire such as waiting time, follow up structure, transport/travel, are similar to what has been described as 'treatment burden' in other studies (Droege et al 2014;Boyle et al 2015;Senra et al 2016). Other dimensions included in DITAMD questionnaire such as waiting time, follow up structure, transport/travel, are similar to what has been described as 'treatment burden' in other studies (Droege et al 2014;Boyle et al 2015;Senra et al 2016).…”

“…However, the strength of the current study is its coherence with previous studies that report similar dimensions of importance in nAMD treatment (Kandula et al 2010(Kandula et al , 2010Boyle et al 2015;Senra et al 2016Senra et al , 2017. However, the strength of the current study is its coherence with previous studies that report similar dimensions of importance in nAMD treatment (Kandula et al 2010(Kandula et al , 2010Boyle et al 2015;Senra et al 2016Senra et al , 2017.…”

“…To our knowledge, only two systematic reviews of patient's experiences of anti-VEGF treatment for nAMD have been published, both finding that knowledge about the burden imposed on patients who undergo this treatment is still limited and that an understanding of patient's experiences associated with treatment may provide clues for how to improve and organize patient care in the coming years (Boyle et al 2015;Senra et al 2016). To our knowledge, only two systematic reviews of patient's experiences of anti-VEGF treatment for nAMD have been published, both finding that knowledge about the burden imposed on patients who undergo this treatment is still limited and that an understanding of patient's experiences associated with treatment may provide clues for how to improve and organize patient care in the coming years (Boyle et al 2015;Senra et al 2016).…”

“…Previous studies have documented the patient-reported discomfort of repetitive intravitreal injections (Droege et al 2014;Boyle et al 2015;Senra et al 2016). However, knowledge about the most important aspects for the patients receiving treatment for nAMD is still limited (Boyle et al 2015).…”

Effect of anti-VEGF drugs combined with photodynamic therapy in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration

“…Many studies worldwide (3,4) have found that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is directly related to the occurrence of AMD and anti-VEGF drug treatment is an important method for AMD. Anti-VEGF drugs can hinder the progress of AMD, but exert limited effects on optimizing visual function (5). …”