Abstract
Purpose :
To evaluate the effects of aflibercept therapy using a treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NVAMD).
Methods :
Thirty-nine eyes of 39 patients with treatment-naïve NVAMD were managed with a TAE regimen of intravitreal aflibercept. We assessed best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), number of injections and treatment intervals for 4 years.
Results :
Thirty-five (87.5%) and 31 patients (77.5%) completed year 1 and year 2, respectively. The mean logMAR BCVA was 0.42, 0.29, 0.34, 0.36, and 0.35 at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 years, respectively. The BCVA significantly improved after the loading phase and was maintained in the maintenance phase. CMT significantly reduced after the loading phase and were maintained throughout the follow-up period. The mean number of injections was 7.9, 6.0, 5.5, and 5.4 during the first, second, third and fourth year, respectively. Twelve-week or longer treatment intervals were used in 46%, 46%, 44% and 45% of patients during the first-, second-, third- and fourth-year time points, respectively.
Conclusions :
Intravitreal aflibercept TAE therapy led to significant visual and anatomical improvement in eyes with NVAMD even at a fourth year. TAE therapy with aflibercept is a rational strategy over 4 years with satisfactory outcomes.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.