Abstract
Purpose :
The LYVE survey employed a unique design that used two databases in France to evaluate the frequency of ranibizumab (RBZ) and aflibercept (AFL) deliveries over the 12-month follow-up period for treatment-naïve patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in routine medical practice.
Methods :
A quantitative internet survey among 150 ophthalmologists in France (general ophthalmologists, 90; retinal specialists, 60) will be conducted in January 2016. Quantitative questions are developed by a committee of experts. Most questions are similar to those included in the 2013 and 2015 surveys. These questions evaluate: i) diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up parameters, ii) logistical organization and access to care for nAMD patients, and iii) current treatment protocols.
Results :
Data from the 2013 and 2015 surveys showed that treatment regimens used by retinal specialists are highly variable. However, the treat and extend (T&E) regimen was more popular in 2015 compared with 2013 (17% vs 4%). In the 2013 survey, the effectiveness of the treatment initiation phase was assessed using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in 70% of the cases and visual acuity (VA) test in 100% of the cases; in 2015, it was assessed using OCT in 99% of the cases and the VA test in 89% of the cases. In comparison with these data, the results of the 2016 survey will show if the management of nAMD has changed from 2013 through 2016.
Conclusions :
Comparison of the results from the 2013, 2015, and 2016 surveys will provide new insights on the management of nAMD patients in France. The 2016 results are expected in March 2016.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2016 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, Wash., May 1-5, 2016.