The Quantification and Impact of Persistent Retinal Fluid Compartments on Best-Corrected Visual Acuity of Patients With Retinal Vein Occlusion

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of persistent intraretinal fluid (IRF) and subretinal fluid (SRF) on best visual acuity (BVA) of patients with retinal vein occlusions (RVOs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study observed 92 treatment-naïve patients with RVO during 12 months of treatment with anti–vascular endothelial growth factor agents. Deep learning was used to quantify IRF and SRF volumes, and linear mixed effects regression modeled the impact on BVA. RESULTS: Average IRF volume declined −923.1 ± 2,382.5 nL from baseline to 12 months ( P < .001). Average SRF volume declined −35.4 ± 223.4 nL from baseline to 12 months ( P = .139). linear mixed effects regression modeling disclosed IRF≥ 1,616 nL at all time points predicted a −10.38 letter loss at 12 months (95% CI, −14.58 to −5.9 letters; P < .001). A similar relationship was not found for SRF. CONCLUSION: Persistent IRF may be an important prognostic biomarker for BVA outcomes in real-world patients with RVO. [ Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina . 2022;53:139–147.]