Comparison of exudative age-related macular degeneration subtypes in Japanese and French Patients: multicenter diagnosis with multimodal imaging

Long-term efficacy and safety of brolucizumab in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: A multicentre retrospective real-world study

PURPOSE

To investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of intravitreal brolucizumab (BRZ) injections in patients with typical neovascular age-related macular degeneration (typical nAMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

METHODS

This multicentre retrospective study included 401 eyes of 398 patients with nAMD who received BRZ injection(s), with a follow-up duration of ≥12 months. Changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), retinal fluid evaluation and central subfield thickness (CST) on optical coherence tomography were assessed. The efficacy of BRZ was compared between typical nAMD and PCV groups.

RESULTS

Analyses were conducted with 280 eyes of 278 patients with typical nAMD and 121 eyes of 120 patients with PCV (mean age, 71.1 ± 8.6 years). 29 eyes (7.2%) were treatment naïve. The mean follow-up period was 15.3 ± 2.8 months; the mean number of BRZ injections within 1 year was 4.5 ± 1.7. BCVA was maintained during the follow-up period, and CST significantly improved from the first injection month and was maintained for 12 months in both the typical nAMD and PCV groups. The dry macula proportion increased from 2.7% at baseline to 56.1% at 1 month and 42.9% at 12 months. Among the 18 eyes that underwent indocyanine green angiography both before and after treatment, 10 (55.6%) showed polyp regression. Overall, the incidence of intraocular inflammation (IOI), retinal vasculitis and occlusive retinal vasculitis was 9.4% (38 eyes), 1.2% (5 eyes) and 0.5% (2 eyes), respectively. IOI occurred from the first to the sixth injections, with an average IOI onset of 28.5 ± 1.4 days. All eyes achieved IOI resolution, although the two eyes with occlusive retinal vasculitis showed a severe visual decline after IOI resolution.

CONCLUSION

Brolucizumab was effective in maintaining BCVA and managing fluid in eyes with nAMD for up to 1 year, exhibiting a high polyp regression rate. However, the not uncommon incidence of IOI and the severe visual decline caused by the rare occlusive retinal vasculitis following BRZ treatment underscore the importance of careful monitoring and timely management.

Macular neovascularization and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: phenotypic variations, pathogenic mechanisms and implications in management

Advances in imaging have led to improved ability to characterize variations in clinical sub-phenotypes of macular neovascularization (MNV) in Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) was initially described based on characteristic features observed in indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) and was thought to be a distinct entity from AMD. However, subsequent careful observations based on confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy-based ICGA, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography have led researchers to appreciate similarities between PCV lesion and type 1 MNV in typical neovascular AMD. Concurrently, clinical trials have shown that anti-VEGF monotherapy can achieve favourable visual outcome in the majority of eyes with PCV. These learnings have led to a shift in the way PCV is managed over the past decade. Recent studies have supported the use of non-ICGA based imaging modality to screen for PCV and the adoption of anti-VEGF monotherapy as initial therapy for PCV. A focus of recent research has been in the understanding of the role of choroidal alterations in the pathogenesis of PCV. The concept of pachychoroid in leading to outer retinal ischemia has garnered increasing support. Future research in this area should evaluate the potential of choroidal morphology in guiding personalized therapy in PCV.

Incidence and multimodal imaging characteristics of macular neovascularisation subtypes in Chinese neovascular age-related macular degeneration patients

AIMS

To investigate the incidence of macular neovascularisation (MNV) subtypes of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and summarise these subtypes' clinical features in the Chinese population using multimodal imaging.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed 506 consecutive treatment-naïve nAMD patients (582 eyes). Incidence of MNV subtypes and clinical features were recorded based on their multimodal images. The classification of MNV subtypes in nAMD patients were referred to Consensus on Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration Nonmenclature (CONAN) study group classifications.

RESULTS

460 eyes of 389 nAMD patients were included in our study. 68.5% (315/460) of nAMD eyes were from male. According to CONAN, we identified type 1 macular neovascularisation (MNV) in 61.1% of eyes (281/460), type 2 MNV in 16.3% of eyes (75/460), type 3 MNV in 2.0% of eyes (9/460), mixed type 1 and type 2 MNV in 20.6% of eyes (95/460). 58% of eyes (267/460) were diagnosed as polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy lesions (PCV). 45.2% of eyes (208/460) with PCV lesions were type 1 MNV and 12.8% of eyes (59/460) with PCV lesions were co-occurred with type 2 MNV.

CONCLUSION

Based on the consensus anatomical classification system developed by the CONAN Study Group, we updated the incidence of MNV subtypes and found that PCV was the most common subtype and type 3 MNV was the least common subtype among Chinese nAMD patients. In addition, the co-occurrence of PCV and type 2 MNV was typically observed, and its frequency was reported in our study.

RISK OF EXUDATION IN EYES WITH NONEXUDATIVE POLYPOIDAL CHOROIDAL VASCULOPATHY

PURPOSE

To investigate the characteristics and natural history of treatment-naive nonexudative polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and to determine biomarkers predicting exudative conversion.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with nonexudative PCV based on indocyanine green angiography and optical coherence tomography were included. Incidence of exudative conversion in nonexudative PCV patients and cumulative estimates for overall risk were assessed. Indocyanine green angiography and optical coherence tomography imaging-based features were analyzed to identify risk factors for exudative conversion.

RESULTS

The study included 42 eyes of 40 patients with nonexudative PCV. The mean follow-up duration was 54.3 ± 35.5 months. Of the 42 eyes with nonexudative PCV, exudative conversion developed in 23 eyes (54.8%) after 42.2 ± 28.3 months (range, 8-103 months). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the exudation-free survival at 5 years after baseline was estimated to be 53.6%. Multivariate regression analysis showed that sequentially increased protrusion of retinal pigment epithelium in the polyp area was a significant risk factor for exudation in nonexudative PCV (odds ratio = 10.16; 95% CI 1.78-57.81; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Exudative conversion has been noted in nearly half of the nonexudative PCV cases in 5 years. The progressive protrusion of polypoidal lesions on optical coherence tomography examination may be a significant biomarker for predicting the near-term onset of exudation.

Diagnosing Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy Using Color Fundus Photography, Optical Coherence Tomography, and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

PURPOSE

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of differentiating polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) from exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD), using color fundus photography (CFP), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and swept-source OCT angiography (SS-OCTA) without using indocyanine green angiography (ICGA).

METHODS

Treatment-naive eyes with exudative AMD that underwent CFP, OCT, SS-OCTA, and ICGA imaging before treatment were identified. Images of each patient were categorized into two sets (set A, CFP + OCT; set B, CFP + SS-OCTA). In set B, both the en face and cross-sectional B scans were analyzed. Each set was reviewed by two graders, and it was determined whether the presumed diagnosis was PCV. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the diagnosis of PCV were assessed for each set by comparing diagnoses that included ICGA. The number of polypoidal lesions in each set was calculated and compared to ICGA.

RESULTS

A total of 94 eyes from 94 patients with AMD were included in the study, of which 66.0% were male, and the mean age was 71.8 ± 9.0 years. The PCV diagnosis rate using ICGA was 45.7%. The sensitivity was 0.88 for set A and 0.93 for set B, while the specificity was 0.94 for set A and 0.96 for set B. The AUC was 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83-0.97) for set A and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.90-1.00) for set B. Set A detected 1.28 ± 0.91 polypoidal lesions, while set B detected 1.47 ± 1.01; ICGA showed 1.51 ± 0.86.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights that, without using ICGA, both CFP combined with OCT and CFP combined with SS-OCTA demonstrate high sensitivity, specificity, and AUC in diagnosing PCV. It is evident that SS-OCTA contributes to enhancing sensitivity, specificity, and AUC for PCV diagnosis.

Automatic detection and differential diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration from color fundus photographs using deep learning with hierarchical vision transformer

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in the elderly, highlighting the need for early and accurate detection. In this study, we proposed DeepDrAMD, a hierarchical vision transformer-based deep learning model that integrates data augmentation techniques and SwinTransformer, to detect AMD and distinguish between different subtypes using color fundus photographs (CFPs). The DeepDrAMD was trained on the in-house WMUEH training set and achieved high performance in AMD detection with an AUC of 98.76% in the WMUEH testing set and 96.47% in the independent external Ichallenge-AMD cohort. Furthermore, the DeepDrAMD effectively classified dryAMD and wetAMD, achieving AUCs of 93.46% and 91.55%, respectively, in the WMUEH cohort and another independent external ODIR cohort. Notably, DeepDrAMD excelled at distinguishing between wetAMD subtypes, achieving an AUC of 99.36% in the WMUEH cohort. Comparative analysis revealed that the DeepDrAMD outperformed conventional deep-learning models and expert-level diagnosis. The cost-benefit analysis demonstrated that the DeepDrAMD offers substantial cost savings and efficiency improvements compared to manual reading approaches. Overall, the DeepDrAMD represents a significant advancement in AMD detection and differential diagnosis using CFPs, and has the potential to assist healthcare professionals in informed decision-making, early intervention, and treatment optimization.

Differences in Central and Peripheral Choroidal Thickness among the Subtypes of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in an Asian Population

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes visual impairment in individuals who are >50 years of age. However, no study has investigated AMD when using ultra-wide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography (UWF SS-OCT). We aimed to evaluate central and peripheral choroidal thicknesses using UWF SS-OCT, and to compare these across the AMD subtypes. We included 75 eyes of patients with typical AMD (tAMD), 56 with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), 29 with pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV), and 12 with retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP). To compare choroidal thicknesses in the central and peripheral choroids, we established subfields of <3 mm, <9 mm, and 9-18 mm from the fovea. PNV patients were significantly younger than those with tAMD (p = 0.01). The choroidal thicknesses of PNV were significantly greater than that of tAMD in all subfields (p < 0.01), and choroidal thickness significantly correlated with age and axial length in all subfields (p < 0.05). Even after adjusting for age and axial length, the choroidal thickness in PNV was significantly greater than that in tAMD (p < 0.05). In addition, the ratio of the posterior <9 mm to a peripheral 9-18 mm choroidal thickness in PNV was significantly greater than that in tAMD (p < 0.01). A thickened choroid in PNV was more pronounced in the posterior choroid than in the periphery.

Profile of Patients Treated with Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injections in Bhutan

Purpose

Ocular vascular diseases are common causes of visual impairment and blindness, for which anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) is the first-line therapy. Current study describes the profile of patients receiving intravitreal anti-VEGF injections (IVI), and gender variation in Bhutan. The study was designed to inform national health policy.

Study Design

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Methods

We reviewed the surgical registers of the vitreoretinal (VR) units across Bhutan over three years. Patient demography, clinical findings, diagnostic tests performed, and diagnoses or indications for IVI were logged. A descriptive analysis was performed.

Results

Despite limited availability of anti-VEGF, a total of 381 patients received IVI in operating theatres as mandated by the national guidelines. The majority of patients were males (230, 60.4%, p = 0.004). The mean age was 65.2 ± 13.5 years (range 13 years to 90 years), and a median of 69 years. The majority of the treated eyes (117, 30.7%) had BCVA <3/60 to light perception (PL), and another 51 eyes (13.4%) had < 6/60 to 3/60. The most common indication for IVI was neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) (168 cases, 42.2%), followed by retinal vein occlusion (RVO) (132 cases, 34.6%), diabetic macular oedema (DMO) and retinopathy (DR) (50 cases, 13.1%), and myopic choroidal neovascular membrane (11 cases, 0.03%).

Conclusion

Limited human resources for managing VR diseases in Bhutan are compounded by economic and geographic challenges. With increasing VR diseases such as nAMD and myopia and complications of systemic diseases such as DR, DMO and RVO, there is a need to improve VR services. Currently, anti-VEGF is procured only for a pooled patients requiring IVI, and patients are lost due to longer waiting periods. Bhutan needs to assess if females are reporting less or are not receiving treatment due to cultural barriers and social stigma.

Submacular Hemorrhages Show No Significant Seasonal Variations in a European Cohort

The aim of the article is to investigate the seasonality of acute submacular hemorrhages (SMHs) in a European population and analyze the influence of the seasons, arterial hypertension, and intake of anticoagulatory/antiplatelet (AC/AP) medication on hemorrhage size. This retrospective, monocentric study included 164 eyes of 164 patients treated for acute SMH at the University Hospital Münster, Germany, between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2021. Data on the day of occurrence, hemorrhage size, and general patient characteristics were recorded. "Test for cyclic trends in incidence data" and the Chi-Square Test were applied to investigate seasonal variations in SMH incidence. Fisher's exact test was used to investigate the influence of the seasons, arterial hypertension, and intake of AC/AP medication on hemorrhage size. A statistical analysis did not reveal significant seasonal variations in the occurrence of SMHs (p = 0.81). While the seasons and the presence of systemic arterial hypertension did not exert a significant influence, the intake of AC/AP medication significantly affected the size of SMH (p = 0.03). In this European cohort, no significant seasonal variations of SMHs were observed. However, in patients with risk factors, such as neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), the chance of an increase in hemorrhage size should be considered when initiating AC/AP therapy.

Clinical variations of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: A cohort study from Japan and the USA

We describe the clinical characteristics of treatment-naïve polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in three tertiary clinic settings in 2 cities (Chicago in the USA and Nishinomiya in Japan). This cohort study was a retrospective, multicenter, consecutive case series. A total of 126 patients with treatment-naïve PCV-46 in Chicago and 80 in Nishinomiya-were identified. The proportion of PCV in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration was lower in Chicago (10.8% vs. 36.9%). Patients in Chicago had a significantly higher prevalence of soft drusen (50.0% vs 25.0%, p = 0.006) and intra-retinal cyst (37.0% vs 15.0%, p = 0.008), and a significantly lower prevalence of pachyvessels (41.3% vs 62.5%, p = 0.03). At baseline, presenting vision for patients in Chicago was worse than in Nishinomiya (mean log MAR: 0.609 vs. 0.312, p < 0.001). Ninety-five eyes were followed for more than one year. The Nishinomiya group received a higher rate of combination therapy (61.0%) compared to the Chicago group (5.3%). Vision and central foveal thickness at month 12 were significantly improved from baseline in both Chicago (p = 0.009 and p = 0.01) and Nishinomiya groups (both p < 0.001). Our study highlights interesting differences in the proportion of PCV, clinical findings and treatment responses of PCV, that need to be further evaluated in larger, epidemiologic cohorts.

Recent Advances in Clinical Applications of Imaging in Retinal Diseases

Many diseases that cause visual impairment, as well as systemic conditions, manifest in the posterior segment of the eye. With the advent of high-speed, high-resolution, reliable, and noninvasive imaging techniques, ophthalmologists are becoming more dependent on ocular imaging for disease diagnosis, classification, and management in clinical practice. There are rapid advances on the indications of multimodal retinal imaging techniques, including the application of ultra-widefield fundus angiography, fundus autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography, as well as optical coherence tomography angiography. This review summarizes and highlights the clinical applications, latest indications, and interpretations of multimodal imaging in age-related macular degeneration, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, diabetic macular edema, central serous chorioretinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and uveitis.

Subtype prevalence and baseline visual acuity by age in Japanese patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To investigate age-specific prevalence of disease subtypes and baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in Japanese patients with treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective multicenter case series.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of patients with treatment-naïve nAMD who underwent initial treatment in 14 institutions in Japan sometime during the period from 2006 to 2015. In patients in whom both eyes were treated, only the eye treated first was included for analysis. The patients were stratified by age for the analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 3096 eyes were included. The overall prevalence of subtypes was as follows: typical AMD, 52.6%; polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), 42.8%; retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP), 4.6%. The number of eyes in each age group was as follows: younger than 60 years, 199; 60s, 747; 70s, 1308; 80s, 784; 90 years or older, 58. The prevalence of typical AMD in each age group was 51.8%, 48.1%, 52.1%, 57.7%, and 55.2%, respectively. The prevalence of PCV was 46.7%, 49.1%, 44.7%, 34.4%, and 19.0%, respectively. The prevalence of RAP was 1.5%, 2.8%, 3.2%, 7.9%, and 25.9%, respectively. The prevalence of PCV decreased with age, whilst that of RAP increased. The prevalence of RAP was higher than that of PCV in patients aged 90 years or older. The mean baseline BCVA (logMAR) was 0.53. In each age group, the mean baseline BCVA was 0.35, 0.45, 0.54, 0.62, and 0.88, respectively. The mean logMAR BCVA at baseline significantly worsened with age (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of nAMD subtypes differed according to age in Japanese patients. The baseline BCVA worsened with age.

Seven-year outcome after 1-year fixed regimen of intravitreal aflibercept injections followed by pro re nata treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

The study aims to investigate the 7-year best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) course after 1-year fixed regimen of intravitreal aflibercept injection (IVA) for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and to identify factors affecting this BCVA.

METHODS

This longitudinal, observational study included 63 treatment-naïve eyes (61 patients) with nAMD, treated with 1-year fixed regimen of IVA-3 monthly injections and 4 subsequent bimonthly injections-essentially followed by PRN regimen of IVA but sometimes followed by agent switching, photodynamic therapy (PDT), or vitrectomy, as needed. We assessed BCVA changes over a 7-year period. Morphologically, we assessed central retinal thickness (CRT), central choroidal thickness (CCT), subfoveal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) height, vitreomacular traction/adhesion (VMT/VMA), epiretinal membrane (ERM), and macular atrophy involving the fovea.

RESULTS

Logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) BCVA changed from 0.20 ± 0.24 to 0.29 ± 0.45 over 7 years. BCVA improved significantly after years 1 and 2 (P = 0.002 and 0.001, respectively) and then slowly decreased. BCVA after years 3-7 did not significantly differ from baseline. CRT and CCT decreased significantly during follow-up, while PED height did not. VMT/VMA decreased significantly, whereas ERM and macular atrophy increased significantly. Seven-year and baseline BCVA positively correlated (P = 0.007, β = 0.35).

CONCLUSIONS

BCVA was maintained for 7 years in nAMD eyes after 1-year fixed regimen of IVA, essentially followed by PRN regimen, but sometimes followed by agent switching, PDT, or vitrectomy, without severe drug-induced complications. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment of nAMD are essential for maintaining good long-term BCVA, even in eyes with relatively poor baseline vision.

Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy Based on Non-ICGA Criteria in White Patients With Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

PURPOSE

To determine prevalence of probable polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) among White patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) using non-indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) criteria DESIGN: Multicenter, multinational, retrospective, cross-sectional study.

METHODS

A total of 208 treatment-naive eyes from Hispanic and non-Hispanic White individuals diagnosed with nAMD were included. All underwent color fundus photography (CFP), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescein angiography (FFA). De-identified images of study eyes were sent to 2 groups of graders. Group 1 reviewed CFP, OCT, and FFA to confirm nAMD diagnosis. Group 2 reviewed CFP and OCT to determine highly suggestive features for PCV. Probable PCV diagnosis defined as the presence of ≥2 of 4 highly suggestive features for PCV: notched or fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachment (PED) on CFP, sharply-peaked PED, notched PED, and hyperreflective ring on OCT.

RESULTS

Eleven eyes were excluded because of poor image quality (6) or non-nAMD diagnosis (5). Of 197 eligible eyes (197 patients), the mean age (SD) was 78.8 years (8.9), 44.2% were men, 26.4% were Hispanic, and 73.6% were non-Hispanic White individuals; 41.1%, 23.4%, 9.1%, and 2.5% had ≥1, ≥2, ≥3, and 4 highly suggestive features. Results showed that 23.4% (95% CI, 17.6%-29.9%) had probable PCV diagnosis. Predominantly occult CNV was more frequently found in probable PCV than nAMD subgroup (84.8% vs 64.9%, P = .01). Hispanic White individuals had a lower prevalence of probable PCV than non-Hispanic White individuals (9.6% vs 28.2%, P = .006) CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that probable PCV occurs between 17.6% and 29.9% in White individuals with nAMD, and more commonly in non-Hispanic than in Hispanic White individuals.

Characterisation of macular neovascularisation subtypes in age-related macular degeneration to optimise treatment outcomes

The aim of this review is to identify the common characteristics and prognoses of different subtypes of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). We also propose recommendations on how to tailor treatments to the subtype of neovessels to optimise patient outcomes. The authors, selected members of the Vision Academy, met to discuss treatment outcomes in nAMD according to macular neovascularisation (MNV) subtypes, using evidence from a literature search conducted on the PubMed database (cut-off date: March 2019). This review article summarises the recommendations of the Vision Academy on how the characterisation of MNV subtypes can optimise treatment outcomes in nAMD. The identification of MNV subtypes has been facilitated by the advent of multimodal imaging. Findings from fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography collectively help refine and standardise the determination of the MNV subtype. To date, three subtypes have been described in the literature and have specific characteristics, as identified by imaging. Type 1 MNV is associated with better long-term outcomes but usually requires more intense anti-vascular endothelial growth factor dosing. Type 2 MNV typically responds quickly to treatment but is more prone to the development of fibrotic scars, which may be associated with poorer outcomes. Type 3 MNV tends to be highly sensitive to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment but may be associated with a higher incidence of outer retinal atrophy, compared with other subtypes. Accurately assessing the MNV subtype provides information on prognosis and helps to optimise the management of patients with nAMD.

Characteristics of Retinal Pigment Epithelium Elevations Preceding Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Japanese

INTRODUCTION

Drusen and pigmentary abnormality are found as the hallmark to predict progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In Asian populations, exudative AMD often appears in the absence of drusen but is rather accompanied by pigmentary abnormality. Recently, shallow irregular retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) elevations (SIRE) have been shown as a sign of subclinical nonexudative macular neovascularization. In this study, we aimed to investigate the characteristics of optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings including SIRE before the appearance of exudative AMD.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 32 cases of exudative AMD that occurred in the fellow eye within the 5-year-observation period. Color fundus photography, OCT, and fluorescein/indocyanine-green angiography at the beginning of observation and at the time when exudative AMD appeared were examined to diagnose SIRE and the subtype of exudative AMD.

RESULTS

Exudative AMD was found in 19 eyes with large drusen and 13 eyes without large drusen. Mean sub-foveal choroidal thickness without large drusen was significantly thicker than that with large drusen (336 ± 109 and 220 ± 96 μm, respectively; mean ± SD). Six eyes with pachychoroid neovasculopathy, 4 eyes with type 1 macular neovascularization, and 3 eyes with PCV had occurred in the fellow eye without large drusen. Among those, 6 eyes had been accompanied by SIRE with a greatest transverse linear dimension of 1 mm or more at the beginning of observation period. Besides, small RPE elevations with a longest diameter of less than 1 mm had been observed in other 5 eyes. Three cases of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy had originated from small RPE elevations. Moreover, pachyvessels, choriocapillaris thinning, or choroidal hyperpermeability were observed with SIRE or small RPE elevations.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a non-drusen type of exudative AMD that originates from small RPE elevations as well as SIRE.

Relationship between Pachychoroid and Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

Previous clinical studies have suggested that pachychoroid can induce macular neovascularization (MNV) to develop pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV) and that PNV can progress to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Recent studies based on the pachychoroid concept are now gradually revealing the true nature of, at least some part of, PCV. However, previous studies on PNV and/or PCV have used different frameworks for the classification of PNV, PCV, and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). These have hampered the rapid overhaul of the understanding of PCV. Some investigators have assumed that all PCV is pachychoroid-driven whereas other investigators have classified PCV into “pachychoroid PCV” and “non-pachychoroid PCV”. Furthermore, since there is no consensus as to whether PNV includes PCV, some studies have included PCV with PNV, while other studies have excluded PCV from PNV. To address these gaps, we summarize previous studies on PCV and pachychoroid. Even before the proposal of the pachychoroid concept, previous studies had suggested that PCV could be divided into two subtypes, of which one was characterized by pachychoroid features. Previous studies had also provided keys to understand relationship between PCV and PNV. We here recommend a refined conceptual framework for future studies on PNV, PCV, and nAMD. Considering the current inconsistent understanding of PCV, we should be cautious about using the term PCV until we understand the true nature of PCV.

Characterization of Choroidal Morphology and Vasculature in the Phenotype of Pachychoroid Diseases by Swept-Source OCT and OCTA

The objective of this study was to characterize the choroidal morphology and vasculature in pachychoroid diseases (PCD). A total of 49 eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), 43 eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), and 50 eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), along with 80 healthy eyes, were enrolled in this nested case-control study. The swept-source optical coherent tomography (OCT), OCT angiography, and En face images were quantitatively analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression models showed that older age and increased vessel density (VD) in the choriocapillaris (CC) layer were independent risk factors for both PCV (page < 0.001, pVD = 0.004), and nAMD (page < 0.001, pVD = 0.005). Decreased VD in the Sattler’s layer was an independent risk factor for PCV (p = 0.014). Increased VD in the Haller’s layer was an independent risk factor for CSC (p = 0.001). The proportion of the diffuse type of collateral circulation in the Sattler’ layer in CSC group was significantly higher than in the other three groups (p < 0.001). We concluded that the involvement of the blood flow in the CC, Haller’s, and Sattler’s layers are differently affected in CSC, nAMD, and PCV eyes, indicating the different pathological mechanism underlying the phenotype of PCD. The age-dependent establishment of collateral circulation in the Sattler’s layer may play a compensatory role regarding ischemic injury in the development of PCD.

Hyaluronidase-1-mediated glycocalyx impairment underlies endothelial abnormalities in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

Background

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), a subtype of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a global leading cause of vision loss in older populations. Distinct from typical AMD, PCV is characterized by polyp-like dilatation of blood vessels and turbulent blood flow in the choroid of the eye. Gold standard anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy often fails to regress polypoidal lesions in patients. Current animal models have also been hampered by their inability to recapitulate such vascular lesions. These underscore the need to identify VEGF-independent pathways in PCV pathogenesis.

Results

We cultivated blood outgrowth endothelial cells (BOECs) from PCV patients and normal controls to serve as our experimental disease models. When BOECs were exposed to heterogeneous flow, single-cell transcriptomic analysis revealed that PCV BOECs preferentially adopted migratory-angiogenic cell state, while normal BOECs undertook proinflammatory cell state. PCV BOECs also had a repressed protective response to flow stress by demonstrating lower mitochondrial functions. We uncovered that elevated hyaluronidase-1 in PCV BOECs led to increased degradation of hyaluronan, a major component of glycocalyx that interfaces between flow stress and vascular endothelium. Notably, knockdown of hyaluronidase-1 in PCV BOEC improved mechanosensitivity, as demonstrated by a significant 1.5-fold upregulation of Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) expression, a flow-responsive transcription factor. Activation of KLF2 might in turn modulate PCV BOEC migration. Barrier permeability due to glycocalyx impairment in PCV BOECs was also reversed by hyaluronidase-1 knockdown. Correspondingly, hyaluronidase-1 was detected in PCV patient vitreous humor and plasma samples.

Conclusions

Hyaluronidase-1 inhibition could be a potential therapeutic modality in preserving glycocalyx integrity and endothelial stability in ocular diseases with vascular origin.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-022-01244-z.

Multimodal Imaging Comparison of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy Between Asian and Caucasian Populations

PURPOSE

Differences in multimodal imaging features between Asian and Caucasian eyes may contribute to our understanding of the etiology of the polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). The purpose of this study was to compare the multimodal imaging features of Asian and Caucasian eyes with PCV.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, retrospective, multicenter, observational case series.

METHODS

Consecutive treatment-naïve patients diagnosed with PCV based on indocyanine green angiography in accordance with published guidelines. Demographic and multimodal imaging findings based on color fundus photography, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography were graded.

RESULTS

A total of 250 participants with PCV (128 Asian vs 122 Caucasian participants) were included. Asian participants presented with lower best-corrected visual acuity (mean ± SD: 0.7 ± 0.6 logMAR vs 0.4 ± 0.3 logMAR; P < .001) compared with Caucasian participants. More Asian eyes had subretinal hemorrhage (mean ± SD: 53.9% vs 24.6%; P < .001) and larger areas of hemorrhage (mean ± SD: 7.5 ± 15.2 mm² vs 1.3 ± 3.3 mm²; P < .001). More Asian eyes had pachyvessels (84.4% vs 28.7%; P < .001), choroidal vascular hyperpermeability (70.3% vs 17.2%; P < .001), and widespread polypoidal lesions (19.5% vs 8.2%; P = .005), and Caucasian eyes had more drusen (79.5% vs 49.2%; P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Multimodal imaging analysis revealed ethnic differences in disease characteristics of PCV, suggesting pathophysiologic mechanism of the disease vary based on ethnicity.

Publication Trends of Research on Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy During 2001–2020: A 20-Year Bibliometric Study

Introduction

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a special subtype of AMD, which is one of the leading threats to vision health worldwide. At this time, many aspects of PCV, from how it works to potential treatments, remain a mystery. In this study, we explored the frontier researches and revealed the study trends within the study of PCV.

Methods

We collected all the publications in this field from 2001 to 2020, analyzed trends within them, and defined the contributions of various countries/regions, institutions, authors, and journals. Additionally, VOSviewer software was used to define the hot keywords in this field.

Results

A total of 1,190 publications were ultimately examined; We found that PCV is becoming an increasingly relevant topic of research, and that Japan has contributed the most publications (428), the most citations (14,504 in total), and the highest H-index value (62) to the field. Our keywords analysis was classified into four clusters to show the hotspots within the study of PCV, namely mechanism-related, imaging-related, prognosis-related, and therapy-related topics. The average years in which the keywords appeared the most were also calculated, and we identified anti-VEGF therapy, anti-complement therapy and angiography as having been the main focus in recent years.

Conclusions

These results helped clarify the comprehensive research progress that has been made as well as the future trends in the study of PCV, which can assist and guide future research.

Inflammatory Factors of Macular Atrophy in Eyes With Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treated With Aflibercept

Background

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a leading cause of blindness in older people. Low-grade inflammation is well-known as one of the pathogenic mechanisms in nAMD. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy is the first-line treatment for nAMD, although macula atrophy (MA) developed under anti-VEGF therapy causes irreversible visual function impairment and is recognized as a serious disorder. Here, we show specific expression patterns of aqueous humor (AH) cytokines in nAMD eyes developing MA under intravitreal injection of aflibercept (IVA) as an anti-VEGF antibody and present predictive cytokines as biomarkers for the incidence of MA in nAMD eyes under IVA treatment.

Methods

Twenty-eight nAMD patients received three consecutive monthly IVA, followed by a pro re nata regimen for 2 years. AH specimens were collected before first IVA (pre-IVA) and before third IVA (post-IVA). AH cytokine levels, visual acuity (VA), and central retinal thickness (CRT) were measured.

Results

Two-year incidence of MA was 21.4%. In nAMD eyes developing MA [MA (+) group], pre-IVA levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1β, VEGF and post-IVA level of MCP-1 were higher than those in nAMD eyes without MA [MA (−) group]. In hierarchical cluster analysis, pre-IVA MCP-1 and VEGF were grouped into the same subcluster, as were post-IVA MCP-1 and CRT. In principal component analysis, principal component loading (PCL) of pre-IVA interferon-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) was 0.61, but PCL of post-IVA IP-10 decreased to −0.09. In receiver operating characteristic analysis and Kaplan–Meier curves, pre-IVA MCP-1, MIP-1β, and VEGF and post-IVA interleukin-6, MCP-1, and MIP-1β were detected as predictive factors for MA incidence. In 2-year clinical course, changes of VA in groups with high levels of pre-IVA MIP-1β (over 39.9 pg/ml) and VEGF (over 150.4 pg/ml) were comparable to those in MA (+) group.

Conclusion

Substantial loss of IP-10 effects and persistent inflammation contribute to incidence of MA, and screening of AH cytokine levels could be a useful method to predict MA incidence in nAMD eyes under anti-VEGF therapy.

Pachychoroid spectrum disease

Recent improvements in ophthalmic imaging have led to the identification of a thickened choroid or pachychoroid to be associated with a number of retinal diseases. The number of conditions linked to this phenotype has continued to widen with specific endophenotypes found within the pachychoroid spectrum. The spectrum includes choroidal features such as focal or diffuse choroidal thickening and thinning of the overlying inner choroid, and choroidal hyperpermeability as demonstrated by indocyanine green angiography. In addition, these diseases are associated with overlying retinal pigmentary changes and retinal pigment epithelial dysfunction and may also be associated with choroidal neovascularization. This article provides a comprehensive review of the literature looking at diseases currently described within the pachychoroid spectrum including central serous chorioretinopathy, pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy, pachychoroid neovasculopathy, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy/aneurysmal type 1 neovascularization, peripapillary pachychoroid disease and focal choroidal excavation. We particularly focus on clinical imaging, genetics and pathological findings in these conditions with the aim of updating evidence suggesting a common aetiology between diseases within the pachychoroid spectrum.

Investigation of the Trend of Selecting Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Agents for the Initial Treatment of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the trend of selecting ranibizumab and aflibercept for the initial treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). METHODS: This was a retrospective study that included 460 patients who were diagnosed with treatment-naïve neovascular AMD and PCV and were initially treated with either ranibizumab or aflibercept. The patients were divided into two groups: the ranibizumab group (n = 96) and the aflibercept group (n = 324). The patients’ characteristics and the proportion of the subtypes of macular neovascularization (MNV) were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Patients in the ranibizumab group were significantly older (mean 74.3 ± 8.4 years) than those in the aflibercept group (mean 70.4 ± 8.8 years; p < 0.001). In the ranibizumab group, the proportions of type 1 or 2 MNV, type 3 MNV, and PCV were 50.0%, 27.1%, and 22.9%, respectively. In the aflibercept group, the proportions were 35.2%, 6.8%, and 58.0%, respectively. There was a significant difference in the proportion of MNV subtypes between the ranibizumab and aflibercept groups (p < 0.001). Ranibizumab was used in 54.2% of patients with type 3 MNVs. However, in patients with PCV, aflibercept was used in 89.5% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Ranibizumab was preferred as an initial treatment agent in older patients and those with type 3 MNV, whereas aflibercept was highly preferred in patients with PCV. The different characteristics and efficacy of the two agents may have partially contributed to this trend.

Drusen and pigment abnormality predict the development of neovascular age-related macular degeneration in Japanese patients

Drusen are known to be the important hallmark to predict the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The prevalence of drusen is lower in Asians compared with Caucasians so that the role of signs constituting early AMD is not well established in Asian populations as in Western countries. In this study, we retrospectively investigated clinical characteristics and 5-year incidence of neovascular AMD (nAMD) in the fellow eye of unilateral nAMD patients. Of 296 consecutive unilateral nAMD patients who had been followed up more than 5 years, 170 typical AMD, 119 polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, and 7 retinal angiomatous proliferation were included. To examine factors associated with nAMD occurrence in the fellow eye, drusen and pigmentary abnormality in the fellow eye were classified into 4 categories; Category 1: no or small drusen < 63 μm (37.2%), Category 2: 63–125 μm medium drusen or pigmentary abnormality (22.2%), Category 3: large drusen > 125 μm (25.0%), Category P: pachydrusen (15.5%). The mean sub-foveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was Category 1: 276 μm, Category 2: 308 μm, Category 3: 246 μm, and Category P: 302 μm, respectively. Of note, SFCT in Category 2 and Category P was significantly larger than those of Category 3. Finally, the 5-year incidence of nAMD in the fellow eye was 32/296 (10.8%); Category 1: 0/110 (0%), Category 2: 12/66 (18.2%), Category 3: 20/74 (27.0%), and Category P: 0/46 (0%). Thus, signs of intermediate AMD (large drusen) as well as those of early AMD, especially the pigmentary abnormality, may contribute to development of bilateral nAMD in Japanese patients.

Improvements of Retinal Sensitivity after Intravitreal Injection of Aflibercept in Eyes with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration with or without Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

PURPOSE

We aim to determine the effects of intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) on the mean sensitivity (MS) of the central retina, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and central foveal thickness (CFT) in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) with or without polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

METHODS

This was a prospective, interventional study. All eyes were treatment-naive with nAMD with or without PCV. Each eye received 3 monthly IVA injections followed by an IVA injection every 2 months for 12 months. The primary outcome was the change in the MS within the central 2°. The secondary outcomes were the changes in BCVA, CFT, greatest linear dimension (GLD), and percentage of eyes with a dry macula.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven eyes of 37 patients were studied. A significant improvement of the MS (dB) was observed +4.9 ± 4.6 dB (mean ± standard deviation) at 3 M (p < 0.001), +5.5 ± 4.9 dB at 6 (p < 0.001), and +7.0 ± 3.4 dB at 12 M (p < 0.001) compared to the baseline in all eyes. The MS of the eyes with non-PCV was not significantly different from that of eyes with PCV (p = 1.00, 1.00, 1.00, and 0.76 at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 M, respectively). The MS of 11 patients whose BCVA remained unchanged was significantly improved by +6.5 ± 2.8 dB at 3 M (p < 0.001), +6.1 ± 4.3 dB at 6 M (p < 0.001), and +6.4 ± 4.8 dB at 12 M (p = 0.003) compared to the baseline. The mean BCVA was significantly improved from the baseline to 3 M (p < 0.001), 6 M (p = 0.027), and 12 M (p = 0.003) in all eyes. The BCVA was improved or maintained in 97% of the patients at 12 M. The mean CFT and GLD were significantly reduced at 12 M (p < 0.001). Twenty-two eyes (71%) had a dry macula at 12 M.

CONCLUSIONS

IVA administered by a fixed dosing regimen led to significant improvements of the central MS, BCVA, and macular morphology at 1 year in eyes with nAMD with or without PCV. These results were not significantly different between eyes with non-PCV and with PCV. The improvements of the MS of the retina of the central 2° in a subgroup whose BCVA remained unchanged through the 12-month experimental period was also significant. We conclude that the MS of the central 2° might be a better marker than the BCVA in determining the effectiveness of IVA treatments and might be helpful in determining early effects on the retina before BCVA changes can be detected.

Anti-VEGF-Resistant Retinal Diseases: A Review of the Latest Treatment Options

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy currently plays a central role in the treatment of numerous retinal diseases, most notably exudative age-related macular degeneration (eAMD), diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusions. While offering significant functional and anatomic benefits in most patients, there exists a subset of 15–40% of eyes that fail to respond or only partially respond. For these cases, various treatment options have been explored with a range of outcomes. These options include steroid injections, laser treatment (both thermal therapy for retinal vascular diseases and photodynamic therapy for eAMD), abbreviated anti-VEGF treatment intervals, switching anti-VEGF agents and topical medications. In this article, we review the effectiveness of these treatment options along with a discussion of the current research into future directions for anti-VEGF-resistant eyes.

Eyes that Do Not Meet the Eligibility Criteria of Clinical Trials on Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Proportion of the Real-World Patient Population and Reasons for Exclusion

Background

To evaluate the proportion of eyes that do not meet the eligibility criteria of clinical trials on neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the reasons for exclusion.

Methods

This retrospective, observational study included 512 eyes of 463 patients diagnosed with treatment-naïve neovascular AMD. The proportion of eyes that did not meet the eligibility criteria of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Trap-Eye: Investigation of Efficacy and Safety in Wet AMD (VIEW) studies were evaluated. The two most common reasons for exclusion were also evaluated in each subtype of neovascular AMD (typical neovascular AMD, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), and type 3 neovascularization).

Results

Among the 512 eyes, 229 (44.7%) did not meet the eligibility criteria. In all the included eyes, the most common reasons for exclusion were good or poor visual acuity (169 eyes, 33.0%), followed by the presence of subretinal hemorrhage (47 eyes, 9.5%). Moreover, good or poor visual acuity was the most common reason for exclusion in all three subtypes of neovascular AMD. The second most common reason was a fovea-involving scar or fibrosis in typical neovascular AMD, subretinal hemorrhage in PCV, and other vascular diseases affecting the retina in type 3 neovascularization.

Conclusions

Among the included cases, 44.7% did not meet the eligibility criteria for VIEW study, suggesting that the conclusion derived from clinical trials may not directly reflect the real-world outcomes. Additionally, the reasons for ineligibility differed among the different subtypes of neovascular AMD.

Retinal Pigment Epithelium Tears After Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

PURPOSE

To assess the visual prognostic factors of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tears and describe their clinical features.

METHODS

The medical records of treatment-naive neovascular age-related macular degeneration patients who received intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

The incidence of RPE tears was 1.36% (10 out of 733 eyes). The type of anti-VEGF agent administered did not affect the incidence (p = 0.985). The median best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 10 patients decreased after an RPE tear (0.4 to 0.6 logMAR); however, subsequent injections restored the BCVA to a level similar to that before the RPE tear (0.4 logMAR, p = 0.436). Central macular thickness improved significantly during the study (794.4 to 491.9 μm, p = 0.013). The final BCVA was positively correlated with the BCVA before and immediately after the RPE tear (p = 0.025 and 0.002, respectively) and was weakly correlated with foveal involvement of the RPE tear (p = 0.061).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of RPE tears did not differ according to the type of anti-VEGF agent. The final BCVA was proportional to the BCVA before and after RPE tears. Continuous treatment with anti-VEGF after the occurrence of RPE tears can benefit the final visual acuity and macular anatomy.

Comparison of visual outcomes between therapy choices and subtypes of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in Taiwan: a real-world study

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a distinctive type of neovascular age-related macular degeneration prevalent in many Asian countries. However, there is still some controversy in how the subtypes of PCV are classified. This post-hoc study redefined the branching vascular network (BVN) and PCV subtypes through retrospective review of indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) and fluorescein angiography images from two observational studies (RENOWNED/REAL). Of the visual outcomes for each angiographic subtype and treatment pattern investigated, BVN was identified in 56.3% of PCV patients. The proportions and features of the re-defined PCV subtypes were 43.8%, 10.4%, and 45.8% for subtype A (without distinctive features of BVN), B (with BVN but no leakage), and C (with BVN and leakage), respectively. Subtype A had better visual outcomes when compared to subtype C. This possibly resulted from a better baseline visual acuity in subtype A. Moreover, combination therapy [photodynamic therapy plus anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] may lead to better visual improvement than mono-anti-VEGF treatment alone. This study provides the prevalence of PCV subtypes in Taiwan and may serve as a reference for PCV treatment strategies in a real-world setting, especially for the combination therapy and patients without distinctive features of BVN.

Deep phenotype unsupervised machine learning revealed the significance of pachychoroid features in etiology and visual prognosis of age-related macular degeneration

Unsupervised machine learning has received increased attention in clinical research because it allows researchers to identify novel and objective viewpoints for diseases with complex clinical characteristics. In this study, we applied a deep phenotyping method to classify Japanese patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in developed countries, showing high phenotypic heterogeneity. By applying unsupervised deep phenotype clustering, patients with AMD were classified into two groups. One of the groups had typical AMD features, whereas the other one showed the pachychoroid-related features that were recently identified as a potentially important factor in AMD pathogenesis. Based on these results, a scoring system for classification was established; a higher score was significantly associated with a rapid improvement in visual acuity after specific treatment. This needs to be validated in other datasets in the future. In conclusion, the current study demonstrates the usefulness of unsupervised classification and provides important knowledge for future AMD studies.

Phenotypic and genetic variations between Asian and Caucasian polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE

To compare phenotypic and genetic variations in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) between Caucasian and Asian patients.

METHODS

We analysed phenotypic and genotypic data from two sites, Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image, Portugal and Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore. Baseline fundus photography, spectral domain-optical coherence tomography, indocyanine green and fluorescein angiography scans were analysed by respective reading centres using a standardised grading protocol. Single nucleotide polymorphisms across 8 PCV loci were compared between cases and controls selected from each population.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty treatment-naïve PCV participants (35 Portuguese and 105 Singaporean) were included. The Portuguese cohort were older (72.33±8.44 vs 68.71±9.40 years, p=0.043) and were comprised of a lower proportion of males (43% vs 71%, p=0.005) compared with the Singaporean cohort. Differences in imaging features include higher prevalence of soft drusen (66% vs 30%, p=0.004), lower prevalence of subretinal haemorrhage (14% vs 67%, p<0.001), smaller polypoidal lesion (PL) area (0.09±0.09 vs 0.76±0.93 mm², p<0.001), lower ratio of PL to branching vascular network area (3% vs 38%, p<0.001) and lower central retinal thickness (346.48±93.74 vs 493.16±212.92 µm, p<0.001) in the Portuguese cohort. CETP rs3764261 (OR 2.467; 95% CI 1.282 to 4.745, p=0.006) in the Portuguese population was significantly associated with PCV and CFH rs800292 (OR 1.719; 95% CI 1.139 to 2.596, p=0.010) in the Singaporean population, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Among Asian and Caucasian patients with PCV, there are significant differences in the expression of phenotype. We also identified different polymorphisms associated with PCV in the two populations.

Association study of toll-like receptors 4 polymorphisms and the risk of age-related macular degeneration: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Toll-like receptor 4 (rs4986790, rs4986791) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been shown to be associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but the results are still inconclusive. The present meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between SNPs of TLR4 gene and AMD susceptibility.

METHODS

Relevant articles were obtained through computer retrieval of Pubmed, Embase, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure and China wanfang database. Eligible articles were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and quality scores were made for them by NOS-scale. Relevant data were extracted for meta-analysis. The combined OR value and 95% confidence interval were used to evaluate the strength of the correlation. Funnel plot and Egger's regression were used to evaluate publication bias. All analyses were performed using STATA 11.0 software.

RESULTS

A total of nine case-control studies were included in this meta-analysis. After combination, an significant association was found between rs4986790 polymorphism and AMD susceptibility in heterozygote model (AG vs. AA, OR = 1.400, 95%CI = 1.049-1.867, P = .022) and dominant model (GG+AG vs. AA, OR = 1.365, 95%CI = 1.028-1.813, P = .032). There was no association found between rs4986791 polymorphism and AMD susceptibility in all genetic models (all P > .05). Funnel plot and Egger's regression analysis showed no publication bias existed in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

Meta-analysis suggested that there is an association between TLR4 gene rs4986790 polymorphism and AMD susceptibility, while no association between rs4986791 polymorphism and AMD susceptibility.

Impact of sub-foveal choroidal thickness on clinical features and long-term clinical outcomes in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE

To study the clinical features and long-term clinical outcomes in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in eyes with different sub-foveal choroidal thickness (SFCT).

METHODS

In this retrospective, observational comparative study, treatment-naïve eyes diagnosed with PCV using the 'EVEREST-2' study criteria were included. The eyes were divided into three groups of thin, medium and thick choroids, based on the SFCT data of total study eyes. Demographic, clinical, imaging features and treatment outcomes between the 3 groups were compared.

RESULTS

Sixty-three eyes in 63 patients were included. Right eye was involved in 39 (61%) cases and left eye in 24 (39%) cases. Mean age was 68.3 ± 6.82 years (range 54-85 years). Mean SFCT was 274 µm (median = 269 µm), and one standard deviation was 79.2 µm. Totally, 11, 43 and 9 eyes were included in the thin, medium and thick choroid groups, respectively. The mean SFCT was 161 ± 24.1 µm, 275 ± 39.6 µm and 412 ± 26.2 µm in the thin, medium and thick choroid groups, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the clinical and imaging features and treatment outcomes between eyes with thin, medium and thick SFCT.

CONCLUSION

Eyes with PCV can have a choroid of varying thicknesses. Clinical, imaging and treatment responses were similar between the three sub-foveal choroidal thickness groups in this study. In future, more studies are required to evaluate the role of the choroidal thickness and its relationship to treatment in PCV.

The spectrum of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in Caucasians: clinical characteristics and proposal of a classification

Purpose

To describe the clinical characteristics and outcome of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), also known as aneurysmal type 1 (sub-retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)) neovascularization, in Caucasian patients.

Methods

Single-centre study in 66 Caucasian patients with a diagnosis of PCV based on optical coherence tomography scan and indocyanine green angiography. Clinical characteristics and multimodal imaging were collected and assessed by an experienced retina specialist.

Results

This study involved 74 eyes of 66 patients with PCV, with a mean age at onset of 73 years and a female preponderance of 66%. The mean number of polypoidal lesions per eye was 1 (range: 1–5 lesions), out of which 75% was located in the macula and 19% in the peripapillary region. Of the 74 eyes, 37 eyes (50%) had PCV associated with a drusenoidal neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) phenotype (PCV-AMD) and 18 eyes (24%) had PCV associated with non-polypoidal type 1 choroidal neovascularization/branching vascular network (PCV-BVN) without signs of drusenoidal AMD, while 19 eyes (26%) had idiopathic, isolated PCV (iPCV). The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness measured in 22 patients was 245 μm (range: 71–420 μm). In 51% of patients, the initially performed therapy showed good anatomical recovery (resolution of intra- and subretinal fluid).

Conclusions

A spectrum of PCV (aneurysmal type 1/sub-RPE neovascularization) can be seen in Caucasian patients. PCV associated with a drusenoidal neovascular AMD phenotype in Caucasians is phenotypically and presumably pathophysiologically more associated with neovascular AMD (PCV-AMD: type A PCV). However, this may not be the case for patients with PCV with non-polypoidal type 1 choroidal neovascularization or BVN and no signs of drusenoidal AMD (PCV-BVN: type B PCV), and for patients with idiopathic PCV without associated drusen or BVN (iPCV; type C PCV). Most patients have a thin choroid, even when drusen are absent. For the entire patient group, a moderate anatomical recovery was observed after treatment.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00417-020-04844-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy: Consensus Nomenclature and Non-Indocyanine Green Angiograph Diagnostic Criteria from the Asia-Pacific Ocular Imaging Society PCV Workgroup

PURPOSE

To develop consensus terminology in the setting of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and to develop and validate a set of diagnostic criteria not requiring indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) for differentiating PCV from typical neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) based on a combination of OCT and color fundus photography findings.

DESIGN

Evaluation of diagnostic test results.

PARTICIPANTS

Panel of retina specialists.

METHODS

As part of the Asia-Pacific Ocular Imaging Society, an international group of experts surveyed and discussed the published literature regarding the current nomenclature and lesion components for PCV, and proposed an updated consensus nomenclature that reflects our latest understanding based on imaging and histologic reports. The workgroup evaluated a set of diagnostic features based on OCT images and color fundus photographs for PCV that may distinguish it from typical nAMD and assessed the performance of individual and combinations of these non-ICGA features, aiming to propose a new set of diagnostic criteria that does not require the use of ICGA. The final recommendation was validated in 80 eyes from 2 additional cohorts.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Consensus nomenclature system for PCV lesion components and non-ICGA-based criteria to differentiate PCV from typical nAMD.

RESULTS

The workgroup recommended the terms polypoidal lesion and branching neovascular network for the 2 key lesion components in PCV. For the diagnosis of PCV, the combination of 3 OCT-based major criteria (sub-retinal pigment epithelium [RPE] ring-like lesion, en face OCT complex RPE elevation, and sharp-peaked PED) achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.90. Validation of this new scheme in a separate subset 80 eyes achieved an accuracy of 82%.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose updated terminology for PCV lesion components that better reflects the nature of these lesions and is based on international consensus. A set of practical diagnostic criteria applied easily to spectral-domain OCT results can be used for diagnosing PCV with high accuracy in clinical settings in which ICGA is not performed routinely.

Characteristics of Pachychoroid Diseases and Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Multimodal Imaging and Genetic Backgrounds

The emergence of pachychoroid disease is changing the concept of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The concept of pachychoroid diseases was developed through clinical observation of multimodal images of eyes with AMD and central serous chorioretinopathy; however, recent genetic studies have provided a proof of concept for pachychoroid spectrum disease, which should be differentiated from drusen-driven AMD. The genetic confirmation of pachychoroid concept further provides novel viewpoints to decode previously reported findings, which facilitates an understanding of the true nature of pachychoroid diseases and AMD. The purpose of this review was to elucidate the relationship between pachychoroid diseases and AMD by interpreting previous findings on pachychoroid diseases and AMD from the novel viewpoints of genetic associations. We confirmed that previous genetic studies supported the concept of pachychoroid diseases. From a genetic viewpoint, the presence of thick choroid and the presence of choroidal vascular hyperpermeability were important characteristics of pachychoroid spectrum diseases. Previous studies have also suggested the classification of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) into two subtypes, pachychoroid neovasculopathy and drusen-driven PCV. Genetic viewpoints will be beneficial to rearrange subtypes of drusen-driven AMD and pachychoroid spectrum diseases. Further genetic studies are needed to investigate pachyvessels, pachydrusen and the significance of polypoidal lesions in pachychoroid neovasculopathy and drusen-driven AMD/PCV.

Latest Developments in Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy: Epidemiology, Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a condition characterized by multiple, recurrent, serosanguineous pigment epithelial detachments, and neurosensory retinal detachments due to abnormal aneurysmal neovascular lesions. It is generally considered as a variant of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, but there are some differences between the clinical presentation, natural history, and treatment response between patients with PCV and typical neovascular age-related macular degeneration patients. Over the past decade, new research and technological advancements have greatly improved our understanding of the PCV disease process and the management of PCV. This review aims to summarize the recent research findings to highlight the epidemiology, pathogenesis, genetics, the application of various diagnostic tools for PCV, and the available treatment options for PCV.

EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF INTRAVITREAL AFLIBERCEPT AND RANIBIZUMAB IN ASIAN PATIENTS WITH NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION: Subgroup Analyses From the VIEW Trials

PURPOSE

To assess the treatment effect of intravitreal aflibercept and ranibizumab in Asian patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

METHODS

We evaluated data from VIEW 1 and VIEW 2, comparing functional and morphologic outcomes at Week 96 between intravitreal aflibercept 2 mg monthly (2q4) or 2 mg bimonthly after 3 initial monthly doses (2q8) versus ranibizumab 0.5 mg monthly among Asian patients (n = 269) and between Asian and white patients (n = 2044).

RESULTS

In Asian patients, there were no significant differences between intravitreal aflibercept 2q4 and 2q8 compared with ranibizumab in mean gain in best-corrected visual acuity (10.23 and 8.35 vs. 8.51 letters). Reduction in central retinal thickness was greater for intravitreal aflibercept 2q4 (150.43 μm, P = 0.0075) and 2q8 (148.15 μm, P = 0.0126) than ranibizumab (119.46 μm). The proportion of dry retinas was greater for intravitreal aflibercept 2q4 (65.7%, P < 0.01) than ranibizumab (41.7%). There were no differences in outcomes between Asian and white patients. Serious treatment-emergent ocular adverse events occurred in <8% of treated eyes, evenly distributed across subgroups.

CONCLUSION

In Asian patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration, functional and morphologic outcomes were largely similar between intravitreal aflibercept and ranibizumab groups, and to results seen in white patients.

Two-Year Outcomes of Treat-and-Extend Intravitreal Aflibercept for Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Prospective Study

PURPOSE

To report the 2-year outcomes of intravitreal aflibercept injections (IAIs) in Japanese patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using a 1-month adjusted treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen.

DESIGN

Multicenter, prospective, nonrandomized, interventional study.

PARTICIPANTS

Ninety-seven eyes of 97 patients with treatment-naive AMD were studied at 3 tertiary ophthalmological institutions.

METHODS

The patients were treated with 3 consecutive monthly IAIs followed by the TAE regimen with a 1-month adjustment for a maximum of 3 months. Our TAE regimen allowed us to shorten and extend the treatment intervals even after a 3-month or 1-month treatment interval, or both, were reached. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT) were analyzed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The mean changes in the BCVA, CRT, and SCT from the baseline to 2 years after initiating the treatment were determined. In addition, the number of injections also was determined.

RESULTS

The mean BCVA significantly improved from 0.27 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) units to 0.14 logMAR at 2 years (P < 0.01). The mean CRT decreased significantly from 307±132 μm to 202±76 μm at 2 years (P < 0.01). The mean SCT decreased significantly from 247±106 μm to 203±96 μm at 2 years (P < 0.01). Seventy eyes (72.2%) showed a dry macula at 2 years. The treatment interval at 2 years was 1 month in 20 eyes (20.6%), 2 months in 18 eyes (18.6%), and 3 months in 59 eyes (60.8%). In 49 (50.5%) eyes with a 3-month treatment interval immediately after the loading phase, no fluid was seen in 25 eyes (51.0%) for the duration of this study. The rest had switched to a more frequent scheme. The mean number of injections during the 2-year period was 13.0±3.9.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravitreal aflibercept injections with a 1-month adjusted TAE regimen significantly improved the BCVA and CRT with a reduced number of injections at 2 years. The treatment interval was adjusted to extend to 3 months in 60% and to shorten to 1 month in 20% of the eyes at 2 years.

Lateral elongation of flat irregular pigment epithelial detachment: A novel optical coherence tomography biomarker in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

Purpose

To explore novel Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) biomarkers and precursor lesions in Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy (PCV).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 76 treatment naïve fellow eyes of PCV. Focus was given to analyse the various morphological changes in the clinically unaffected fellow retina during the follow-up period.

Results

11 fellow eyes (14.47%) developed disease activity in the form of Sub Retinal Fluid (SRF) or Intra Retinal Fluid (IRF) within a mean follow-up of 17 months. All 11 eyes (100%) showed the presence of flat irregular pigment epithelial detachment (FIPED) and a peculiar property of lateral elongation of FIPED during disease activity. A positive correlation with the disease progression was found for the same (P < 0.0001). The mean horizontal dimension of the flat irregular PED at the enrolment was 1984 ± 376u and the mean expansion of FIPED at SRF formation was 461 ± 152u. ICG taken at the time of disease activity in the fellow eye revealed branching vascular network (BVN) in 9 (81.8%) eyes, polyps in 7 (63.6%) eyes, a combination of both in 5 (45.4%) eyes. Type one BVN with interconnecting channels showed faster disease progression than type two BVN. Eye tracking ICG illustrated that BVN corresponded to the FIPED in OCT and polypoidal lesions developed at the end of expanding FIPED.

Conclusion

Flat irregular pigment epithelial detachment with its characteristic property of lateral elongation may be considered as a precursor lesion for PCV and as a novel OCT biomarker for the disease activity. Fellow eyes with FIPED need close monitoring to identify development of disease activity at the earliest.

Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy Associate With Diminished Regulatory T Cells That Are Polarized Into a T Helper 2-Like Phenotype

Purpose

To investigate possible roles of T helper (Th) cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and the recently mapped Th-like Tregs in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

Methods

In this prospective case-control study, we obtained fresh venous blood from patients with PCV (n = 24), age-matched healthy controls (n = 32), and patients with neovascular AMD (n = 45). All participants underwent a comprehensive ocular examination including fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography for where retinal disease was suspected. Using flow cytometry, we identified Th subsets, Tregs, and Th-like Tregs. Plasma samples were stored at -80°C to investigate plasma cytokines of interest.

Results

Compared to healthy controls, patients with PCV had lower percentages of Tregs (8.7% ± 2.8% vs. 7.3% ± 1.7%, P = 0.027), which were significantly more Th2-like polarized (42.6% ± 13.3% vs. 50.5% ± 13.0%, P = 0.029). These changes differed from that observed in neovascular AMD, which compared to healthy controls had fewer Th1/Th17 cells (3.6% ± 2.7% vs. 2.4% ± 2.5%, P = 0.049), comparable Treg levels, and no distinct polarization of Th-like Tregs. Because of these findings, we measured plasma IL-4 and IL-33 levels. Plasma IL-33 in patients with PCV (median 0.30 pg/mL) was twice as high compared to healthy controls (median 0.16 pg/mL; P = 0.037).

Conclusions

PCV associate with diminished Tregs that are polarized more into a Th2-like phenotype. This is correlated to IL-33 levels, which we also find increased in patients with PCV. Our findings suggest a possible role for Th2-like Tregs and IL-33 in PCV.

Idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in Caucasians: The POLYON real-life study in 50 naive patients

Objectives:

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy is a common disease in Asia, but it has been less described in the Caucasian population. The aim of this real-life observational study was to describe the diagnostic and therapeutic practices as well as the prognosis in this population.

Method:

Fifty Caucasian patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy were included in this study. All patients underwent angiography to confirm the diagnosis. Patients were divided into two treatment groups: patients of group 1 only received anti–vascular endothelial growth factor injections and those of group 2 required photodynamic therapy rescue in addition to intravitreal injections in case of suboptimal (anatomically or functionally) response. Clinical (visual acuity, fundus examination), paraclinical (retinal pigment epithelium detachment height and central retinal thickness on optical coherence tomography), and therapeutic (number of intravitreal injections) criteria were analyzed after 24 months.

Results:

Patient mean age was 73.9 ± 9.1 years, and half of the patients had age-related macular degeneration. In the whole cohort, the initial visual acuity was equivalent to the final visual acuity (59.9 ± 24.0 letters vs 62.5 ± 21.1 letters, p = 0.259). In group 1, the final visual acuity was significantly increased (from 56.9 ± 24.7 letters to 63.4 ± 21.6 letters, p = 0.016), while in group 2, it remained stable (from 61.7 ± 23.4 letters to 61.0 ± 21.4 letters, p = 0.249). The number of intravitreal injections was similar between both groups.

Conclusion:

In a Caucasian population, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy seems to have a later onset. A non-standardized management allows stabilizing the functional prognosis. Patients requiring photodynamic therapy rescue have a poorer prognosis.

Visual Prognosis in the Better-seeing Eyes of Patients with Unilateral Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

SIGNIFICANCE

In patients initially diagnosed as having unilateral polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, the visual prognosis of the better-seeing eye is highly favorable. If patients are overly pessimistic regarding their vision in the future, physicians can encourage patients by informing them of the small possibility for visual deterioration in the better-seeing eye.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term changes in the visual acuity of the better-seeing eyes in patients with unilateral polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

METHODS

This retrospective, single-institution study was performed with 221 patients who were diagnosed as having unilateral polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and who were treated with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor. Only patients with an initially uninvolved eye best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/40 or better and who were followed up for at least 24 months were included. The changes in the BCVAs of the initially involved and uninvolved eyes as well as the better-seeing eyes were measured. For patients with three or more lines of uninvolved eye visual deterioration, the cause for the visual deterioration was identified.

RESULTS

Patients were followed up for a mean of 43.1 ± 11.8 months after diagnosis. During the follow-up period, three or more lines of deterioration in the BCVA were noted in 61 initially involved eyes (27.6%) and 11 uninvolved eyes (4.9%). The reasons for uninvolved eye visual deterioration were neovascularization (n = 8), retinal vein occlusion (n = 2), and posterior capsule opacification (n = 1). At diagnosis, the BCVA of the better-seeing eye was 0.05 ± 0.08 (Snellen equivalents, 20/22). During the follow-up period, three or more lines of deterioration in the BCVA for the better-seeing eye were noted in eight patients (3.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Visual acuity of the better-seeing eye over time remained stable in most patients who were initially diagnosed as having unilateral polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. As a result, the visual prognosis of the better-seeing eye is highly favorable in this condition.

PREVALENCE OF POLYPOIDAL CHOROIDAL VASCULOPATHY IN WHITE PATIENTS WITH EXUDATIVE AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a disease with significant inter-ethnical differences. In this study, we systematically review the literature on the prevalence of PCV in whites referred with a diagnosis of exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science on 24 March, 2017 for studies evaluating the prevalence of PCV in white patients with exudative AMD. Data extraction and risk of bias assessments were performed in duplicate. Studies were included for a qualitative review and a meta-analysis, including subgroup analysis for differences in age and sex.

RESULTS

We included data from 11 studies (>2,200 participants). For diagnosis, indocyanine green angiography was used together with a set of supporting criteria on fundus examination and optical coherence tomography. Extramacular location was more prevalent in eyes with PCV. Drusen was present in the fellow eye in 17% to 27%. Pooled prevalence of PCV in white patients with exudative AMD was 8.7% (confidence interval 95%: 7.2%-10.3%). Patients with PCV were 3.7 years (confidence interval 95%: 2.1 years-5.3 years) younger than those with other exudative AMD. Sex did not differ significantly.

CONCLUSION

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy is not a rare subtype of exudative AMD in whites-it is present in approximately one in 11 patients.

The Evolution of Fibrosis and Atrophy and Their Relationship with Visual Outcomes in Asian Persons with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

PURPOSE

To describe the rate of development and progression of fibrosis and macular atrophy (MA) and their relationship with 1-year visual outcomes in Asian participants with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

DESIGN

Review of images collected from a prospectively recruited observational cohort.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants with treatment-naïve nAMD.

METHODS

All participants underwent multimodality imaging at baseline and month 12 and were treated according to standard of care. Retinal specialists evaluated color fundus photographs fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography images to determine the subtypes according polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and non-PCV subtypes. An independent reading center graded qualitative and quantitative morphologic features on spectral-domain OCT. Fibrosis and MA were determined based on multimodal imaging.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Incidence of fibrosis and MA and their impact on visual outcome at 1 year.

RESULTS

We included 93 eyes (48.4% PCV). Between baseline and month 12, visual acuity (VA) improved from 0.81±0.56 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR; Snellen equivalent, approximately 20/126) to 0.71±0.61 logMAR (Snellen equivalent, approximately 20/100; P = 0.007), and mean retinal thickness decreased from 471.1 μm to 343.4 μm (P < 0.001). Between baseline and month 12, prevalence of fibrosis and MA increased from 13.0% to 37.8% (P < 0.001) and 9.7% to 17.2% (P = 0.008), respectively. Worse baseline VA and presence of subretinal hyperreflective material (SHRM) at month 12 were associated with worse VA at month 12 after adjusting for multiple factors, whereas PCV subtype was associated with better VA at month 12. At month 12, the predominant composition of SHRM was fibrosis (82.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

We describe significant development of fibrosis and MA in Asian nAMD eyes and show that fibrosis is the most important predictor of outcomes. These results highlight the need for therapy beyond anti-vascular endothelial growth factor inhibition to address fibrosis in Asian nAMD.