Abstract
Purpose: :
to evaluate loss of the RNFL in eyes receiving multiple intraocular injections of anti-VEGF medications for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NVAMD).
Methods: :
eyes with NVAMD that had a Stratus RNFL analysis followed by a 2nd study at least 48 months later were included.The eye had to have a signal stregth of 4 or better on OCT, a minimum of 5 injections of an antiVEGF drug, and no history of glaucoma. Untreated fellow eyes were used as controls.
Results: :
We identified 29 eyes of 22 patients. There were 12 untreated fellow eyes that were analyzed as controls.Eyes received from 5-40 injections:mean and median 19 and 18. There was no change in the RNFL when comparing the treated to the controls (p=0.663). More intense treatment was not associated with decreases in RNFL.The baseline and follow-up average RNFL for treated eyes were 88.24(+11.1) and 83.66(+9.52)(p=0.101). and for controls were 88.92(+12.87) and 85.00(+10.05)(p=0.11).
Conclusions: :
there was no statistically significant change in the RNFL assocated with intraocular antiVEGF drugs for the treatment of NVAMD in eyes followed for at least 4 years.
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • imaging/image analysis: clinical • vascular endothelial growth factor