Long-Term Follow-Up of Spontaneous Retinal Pigment Epithelium Tears in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treated with Anti-VEGF Therapy

Abstract

Purpose TO describe the clinical response following anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy in patients with spontaneous retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tears secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods Retrospective chart review of patients with AMD who developed a spontaneous RPE tear and were subsequently treated with anti-VEGF therapy at a single institution. Results In 5 patients included in the study, the median number (range) of injections received was 14.2 (5–18). The median baseline acuity was 20/200, which remained stable at 12 months and improved to 20/60 at 24 months. These changes were not statistically different. Conclusions Anti-VEGF therapy appears safe in eyes with spontaneous RPE tear secondary to AMD and may help to stabilize or even improve acuity in some cases.