Long-Term Visual Outcomes in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Eyes With Baseline Macular Atrophy on Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment

Abstract

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.]