Long-term Outcomes of Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization and Retinal Changes according to ATN Classification

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and atrophic and tractional changes according to the ATN (A: atrophy, T: traction, N: neovascularization) classification system.Methods: This was a retrospective review of the medical records of myopic CNV patients treated with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections and followed up for at least 3 years. Atrophic and tractional components were graded according to the ATN system at baseline and the last visit.Results: The study included 21 eyes in 21 patients. The mean age was 52.29 ± 14.6 years, the mean follow-up duration was 57.65 ± 18.8 months, and the mean number of injections was 2.9 ± 1.9. Recurrence occurred in seven eyes (33.3%). Five patients (23.8%) developed myopic CNV in the contralateral eye. The mean initial and final logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuities were 0.44 ± 0.30 and 0.33 ± 0.39, respectively. Visual acuity was maintained or improved compared to baseline in 15 eyes (71.4%). Baseline visual acuity was significantly associated with the final visual acuity (<i>p</i> = 0.026). Based on the ATN classification system, the atrophic component progressed in four eyes (19.0%), while the tractional component improved in one eye (4.8%) and progressed in five eyes (23.8%).Conclusions: Intravitreal anti-VEGF injection therapy effectively preserved long-term vision in myopic CNV patients. Evaluation of the atrophic and tractional components should not be neglected during the follow-up.