Abstract
Purpose: :
To demonstrate how mobile testing of visual acuity and contrast sensitivity can help to refine the "treat and extend" dosing regimen for anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy in a variety of retinal disorders.
Methods: :
Patients with retinal fluid on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) following their last anti-VEGF treatment were asked to test their vision and contrast sensitivity twice daily using a web-based system that allows for mobile vision testing on an iPhone, iPad or iPod via a downloadable App. Patients included had macular exudation from neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, or retinal vein occlusion. As the system updates data in real-time, patients could be recalled prior to their next scheduled visit if negative changes in visual acuity and/or contrast sensitivity were detected. Further refinements in the dosing interval were made in order to determine the "fluid-free" interval between injections.
Results: :
Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity as measured via the device correlated well with the presence or absence of fluid on SD-OCT. Patients found the device easy to use and appreciated that they were empowered to play an active role in preserving their vision.
Conclusions: :
Mobile testing of visual acuity and contrast sensitivity may help determine the "fluid-free" interval between injections of anti-VEGF agents and refine the "treat and extend" dosing regimen in eyes developing recurrent exudation between treatments.
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • diabetic retinopathy • vascular endothelial growth factor