Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate the changes in functional macular mapping in patients with neovascular age–related macular degeneration (AMD) receiving combination of verteporfin and ranibizumab therapy.
Methods: :
Nidek MP 1 functional macular mapping was used in patients with either occult (n=6) or predominantly classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) (n=5) at baseline and on days 30, 60 and 90 after initial treatment. Patients received verteporfin therapy at baseline and ranibizumab was injected intravitreally at baseline and on day 30, 60 and 90. Functional macular mapping was done before treatment at each visit. Stimuli seen >16 db were referred to as normal function, stimuli seen between 8 and 15 db were specified as moderate relative scotoma and stimuli between 0 and 7 db as severe relative scotoma. An absolute scotoma was present if no stimuli could be seen.
Results: :
At day 90, in patients with predominantly classic CNV, absolute scotoma did not increase in any eye. Severe relative scotoma improved or remained stable in 80% and mild relative scotoma improved or stabilized in 60%. In general, preexisting scotomas became less intensive. Areas of normal macular function decreased in 0%, i.e. no loss in retinal sensitivity occurred in normal retina by combination therapy. In comparison, in patients with occult CNV, absolute scotoma decreased or remained stable in 83%. Severe relative scotoma also decreased or remained stable in 83% and mild relative scotoma had increased in 50% of patients. Areas of normal macular function improved or stabilized in 83%.
Conclusions: :
Combination of verteporfin and ranibizumab therapy can improve central macular function in patients with predominantly classic and occult CNV. Combination of verteporfin and ranibizumab does not induce any loss in retinal function.
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound)