Abstract
Purpose:
To collect and assess data on visual acuity outcomes, from multiple centres in the UK, using aflibercept for neovascular age-related macular degeneration, following the VIEW protocol. Aflibercept has the potential advantage of allowing 2 monthly treatment schedules, which has significant advanatages for patients and carers, as well as for the capacity of providers, compared to other anti-VEGF treatments. We wanted to see if the aflibercept trial results can be replicated in practice from a large sample.
Methods:
Visual acuity data has been collected on patients treated at 6 centres with aflibercept, from Medisoft, an electronic patient record. Aflibercept was started in the UK in most centres by August 2013. Data cut presented is from end of November 2014. Data collection is on-going and 7 more centres are due to contribute shortly.
Results:
At base line 1795 patients had a mean visual acuity of 54.8 ETRDS letters. At one year 250 patients had a mean visual acuity of 60.8, + 6 letter mean gain. 19.2% had ≥ 70 letters (approx. 6/12) at base line and 35% at one year. 49.2% gained >5 letters with 19% > 15 letters; 23% lost > 5 letters with 6.2% > 15 letters. Median number of injections actually given was 7.
Conclusions:
The visual acuity outcomes compare reasonably to trial outcomes, with a 6 letter mean gain compared to 8.5 in View. This is encouraging compared to many previously published results showing results in clinical practice with other anti-VEGF treatments.