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Sivaprasad S, Chandra S, Sadda S, Teo KYC, Thottarath S, de Cock E, Empeslidis T, Esmaeelpour M. Predict and Protect: Evaluating the Double-Layer Sign in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Ophthalmol Ther 2024:10.1007/s40123-024-01012-y. [PMID: 39150604 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-024-01012-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of vision loss. Therefore, there is interest in precursor lesions that may predict or prevent the onset of advanced AMD. One such lesion is a shallow separation of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Bruch's membrane (BM), which is described by various terms, including double-layer sign (DLS). METHODS In this article, we aim to examine and clarify the different terms referring to shallow separation of the RPE and BM. We also review current evidence on the outcomes associated with DLS: firstly, whether DLS is predictive of exudative neovascular AMD; and secondly, whether DLS has potential protective properties against geographic atrophy. RESULTS The range of terms used to describe a shallow separation of the RPE and BM reflects that DLS can present with different characteristics. While vascularised DLS appears to protect against atrophy but can progress to exudation, non-vascularised DLS is associated with an increased risk of atrophy. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography (OCTA) is the principal method for identifying and differentiating various forms of DLS. If OCTA is unavailable or not practically possible, simplified classification of DLS as thick or thin, using OCT, enables the likelihood of vascularisation to be approximated. Research is ongoing to automate DLS detection by applying deep-learning algorithms to OCT scans. CONCLUSIONS The term DLS remains applicable for describing shallow separation of the RPE and BM. Detection and classification of this feature provides valuable information regarding the risk of progression to advanced AMD. However, the appearance of DLS and its value in predicting AMD progression can vary between patients. With further research, individualised risks can be confirmed to inform appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sobha Sivaprasad
- National Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.
| | - Shruti Chandra
- National Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - SriniVas Sadda
- Doheny Imaging Reading Center, Doheny Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kelvin Y C Teo
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sridevi Thottarath
- National Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Eduard de Cock
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Theo Empeslidis
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany
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Ameln J, Saßmannshausen M, von der Emde L, Carmichael-Martins A, Holz FG, Ach T, Harmening WM. Assessment of local sensitivity in incomplete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retinal atrophy (iRORA) lesions in intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD). BMJ Open Ophthalmol 2024; 9:e001638. [PMID: 38981710 PMCID: PMC11256035 DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2024-001638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Lesions of incomplete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retinal atrophy (iRORA) are associated with disease progression in age-related macular degeneration. However, the corresponding functional impact of these precursor lesions is unknown.We present a cross-sectional study of four patients employing clinical-grade MAIA (stimulus size: 0.43°, ~125 µm) and adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope (AOSLO, stimulus size 0.07°, ~20 µm) based microperimetry (MP) to assess the specific impact of iRORA lesions on retinal sensitivity.AOSLO imaging showed overall reduced photoreceptor reflectivity and patches of hyporeflective regions at drusen with interspersed hyper-reflective foci in iRORA regions. MAIA-MP yielded an average retinal sensitivity loss of -7.3±3.1 dB at iRORA lesions compared with the in-eye control. With AOSLO-MP, the corresponding sensitivity loss was 20.1±4.8 dB.We demonstrated that iRORA lesions are associated with a severe impairment in retinal sensitivity. Larger cohort studies will be necessary to validate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Ameln
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Leon von der Emde
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Frank G Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Ach
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Wolf M Harmening
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Wu Z, Pfau M, Fleckenstein M, Guymer RH. Microperimetry Characteristics of Regions With a Truly Nonresponding Location: Implications for Atrophic Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:44. [PMID: 39078733 PMCID: PMC11290570 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.8.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To understand the microperimetry response characteristics of regions with a truly nonresponding location, which will be useful when considering criteria for end-stage atrophic age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods A simulation model was developed using data from 128 participants with bilateral large drusen at baseline seen over 36 months at 6-month intervals. One hundred thousand pairs of real-world microperimetry testing results were simulated separately with and without one truly nonresponding location, where the sensitivity of one randomly selected location for the former group was derived from the distribution of responses from a truly nonresponding location at the optic nerve head from 60 healthy participants. Results Only 60% of the simulated test pairs with a truly nonresponding location had ≥1 location that was <0 decibel (dB) on both tests. In contrast, 91% of the simulated test pairs had ≥1 location that was ≤10 dB on both tests, and 87% had ≥1 location that was ≤10 dB on both tests and <0 dB for one of the tests. Of the simulated test pairs without a truly nonresponding location, there were 0.04%, 1.4%, and 0.4% that met these three above criteria, respectively. Conclusions Regions with a truly nonresponding test location do not almost always show a repeatable absolute scotoma (<0 dB), but instead, much more often a deep visual sensitivity defect (≤10 dB), with or without having an absolute scotoma on one of the tests. These findings are crucial if functional criteria are to be considered as part of a definition of end-stage atrophic AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Wu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Maximilian Pfau
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Monika Fleckenstein
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Robyn H. Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Riedl S, Schmidt-Erfurth U, Rivail A, Birner K, Mai J, Vogl WD, Wu Z, Guymer RH, Bogunović H, Reiter GS. Sequence of Morphological Changes Preceding Atrophy in Intermediate AMD Using Deep Learning. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:30. [PMID: 39028907 PMCID: PMC11262471 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.8.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Investigating the sequence of morphological changes preceding outer plexiform layer (OPL) subsidence, a marker preceding geographic atrophy, in intermediate AMD (iAMD) using high-precision artificial intelligence (AI) quantifications on optical coherence tomography imaging. Methods In this longitudinal observational study, individuals with bilateral iAMD participating in a multicenter clinical trial were screened for OPL subsidence and RPE and outer retinal atrophy. OPL subsidence was segmented on an A-scan basis in optical coherence tomography volumes, obtained 6-monthly with 36 months follow-up. AI-based quantification of photoreceptor (PR) and outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness, drusen height and choroidal hypertransmission (HT) was performed. Changes were compared between topographic areas of OPL subsidence (AS), drusen (AD), and reference (AR). Results Of 280 eyes of 140 individuals, OPL subsidence occurred in 53 eyes from 43 individuals. Thirty-six eyes developed RPE and outer retinal atrophy subsequently. In the cohort of 53 eyes showing OPL subsidence, PR and ONL thicknesses were significantly decreased in AS compared with AD and AR 12 and 18 months before OPL subsidence occurred, respectively (PR: 20 µm vs. 23 µm and 27 µm [P < 0.009]; ONL, 84 µm vs. 94 µm and 98 µm [P < 0.008]). Accelerated thinning of PR (0.6 µm/month; P < 0.001) and ONL (0.8 µm/month; P < 0.001) was observed in AS compared with AD and AR. Concomitant drusen regression and hypertransmission increase at the occurrence of OPL subsidence underline the atrophic progress in areas affected by OPL subsidence. Conclusions PR and ONL thinning are early subclinical features associated with subsequent OPL subsidence, an indicator of progression toward geographic atrophy. AI algorithms are able to predict and quantify morphological precursors of iAMD conversion and allow personalized risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Riedl
- Laboratory for Ophthalmic Image Analysis, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ursula Schmidt-Erfurth
- Laboratory for Ophthalmic Image Analysis, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Antoine Rivail
- Laboratory for Ophthalmic Image Analysis, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Klaudia Birner
- Laboratory for Ophthalmic Image Analysis, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Mai
- Laboratory for Ophthalmic Image Analysis, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolf-Dieter Vogl
- Laboratory for Ophthalmic Image Analysis, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- RetInSight, Vienna, Austria
| | - Zhichao Wu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robyn H. Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hrvoje Bogunović
- Laboratory for Ophthalmic Image Analysis, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor S. Reiter
- Laboratory for Ophthalmic Image Analysis, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Wu Z, Hodgson LAB, Goh KL, Guymer RH. COMPLETE RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIAL AND OUTER RETINAL ATROPHY IN AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION: A Longitudinal Evaluation. Retina 2024; 44:1224-1231. [PMID: 38452352 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000004080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is a need for robust earlier biomarkers of atrophic age-related macular degeneration that could act as surrogate endpoints for geographic atrophy (GA) in early interventional trials. This study sought to examine the risk of progression of complete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retinal atrophy (cRORA) to the traditional atrophic endpoint of GA on color fundus photography. This study also compared the risk of progression for cRORA to that associated with the specific optical coherence tomography features that define nascent GA (nGA), a strong predictor of GA development. METHODS One hundred forty participants with bilateral large drusen at baseline underwent optical coherence tomography imaging and color fundus photography at 6-month intervals for up to 36 months. Optical coherence tomography volume scans were graded for the presence of cRORA and nGA, and color fundus photographs were graded for the presence of GA. The association and rate of progression to GA for cRORA and nGA were examined. RESULTS Both cRORA and nGA were significantly associated with GA development (adjusted hazard ratio, 65.7 and 76.8 respectively; both P < 0.001). The probability of progression of cRORA to GA over 24 months (26%) was significantly lower than the probability of progression of nGA (38%; P = 0.039). CONCLUSION This study confirmed that cRORA was a significant risk factor for developing GA, although its rate of progression was slightly lower compared with nGA. While requiring replication in future studies, these findings suggest that the specific features of photoreceptor degeneration used to define nGA appear important when assessing the risk of progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Wu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia ; and
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lauren A B Hodgson
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia ; and
| | - Kai Lyn Goh
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia ; and
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robyn H Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia ; and
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Aresta G, Araujo T, Reiter GS, Mai J, Riedl S, Grechenig C, Guymer RH, Wu Z, Schmidt-Erfurth U, Bogunovic H. Deep Neural Networks for Automated Outer Plexiform Layer Subsidence Detection on Retinal OCT of Patients With Intermediate AMD. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2024; 13:7. [PMID: 38874975 PMCID: PMC11182370 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.6.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The subsidence of the outer plexiform layer (OPL) is an important imaging biomarker on optical coherence tomography (OCT) associated with early outer retinal atrophy and a risk factor for progression to geographic atrophy in patients with intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Deep neural networks (DNNs) for OCT can support automated detection and localization of this biomarker. Methods The method predicts potential OPL subsidence locations on retinal OCTs. A detection module (DM) infers bounding boxes around subsidences with a likelihood score, and a classification module (CM) assesses subsidence presence at the B-scan level. Overlapping boxes between B-scans are combined and scored by the product of the DM and CM predictions. The volume-wise score is the maximum prediction across all B-scans. One development and one independent external data set were used with 140 and 26 patients with AMD, respectively. Results The system detected more than 85% of OPL subsidences with less than one false-positive (FP)/scan. The average area under the curve was 0.94 ± 0.03 for volume-level detection. Similar or better performance was achieved on the independent external data set. Conclusions DNN systems can efficiently perform automated retinal layer subsidence detection in retinal OCT images. In particular, the proposed DNN system detects OPL subsidence with high sensitivity and a very limited number of FP detections. Translational Relevance DNNs enable objective identification of early signs associated with high risk of progression to the atrophic late stage of AMD, ideally suited for screening and assessing the efficacy of the interventions aiming to slow disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Aresta
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Retina, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Teresa Araujo
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Retina, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor S. Reiter
- Laboratory for Ophthalmic Image Analysis, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Mai
- Laboratory for Ophthalmic Image Analysis, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sophie Riedl
- Laboratory for Ophthalmic Image Analysis, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Grechenig
- Laboratory for Ophthalmic Image Analysis, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robyn H. Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Zhichao Wu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ursula Schmidt-Erfurth
- Laboratory for Ophthalmic Image Analysis, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hrvoje Bogunovic
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Retina, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Laboratory for Ophthalmic Image Analysis, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Trinh M, Cheung R, Duong A, Nivison-Smith L, Ly A. OCT Prognostic Biomarkers for Progression to Late Age-related Macular Degeneration: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Ophthalmol Retina 2024; 8:553-565. [PMID: 38154619 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2023.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
TOPIC To evaluate which OCT prognostic biomarkers best predict the risk of progression from early/intermediate to late age-related macular degeneration (AMD). CLINICAL RELEVANCE Among > 100 OCT prognostic biomarkers for AMD, it is unclear which are the most relevant for clinicians and researchers to focus on. This review evaluated which OCT biomarkers confer the greatest magnitude of prediction for progression to late AMD. METHODS Study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023400166). PubMed and Embase were searched from inception to March 2, 2023, and eligible studies assessed following the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The primary outcome was any quantified risk of progression from treatment-naive early/intermediate AMD to late AMD, including hazard ratios (HRs), odds ratios (ORs), and standardized mean differences (at baseline, between eyes with versus without progression), subgrouped by each OCT biomarker. Further meta-analyses were subgrouped by progression to geographic atrophy or neovascularization. RESULTS A total of 114 quantified OCT prognostic biomarkers were identified. With high GRADE certainty of evidence, the greatest magnitudes of prediction to late AMD belonged to: external limiting membrane abnormality (OR, 15.42 [7.63, 31.17]), ellipsoid zone abnormality (OR, 10.8 [4.58, 25.46]), interdigitation zone abnormality (OR, 7.68 [2.57, 23]), concurrent large drusen and reticular pseudodrusen (HR, 6.73 [1.35, 33.65], hyporeflective drusen cores (HR, 2.48 [1.8, 3.4]; OR 1.85 [1.29, 2.66]), intraretinal hyperreflective foci (IHRF; HR, 2.16 [0.92, 5.07]; OR 5.08 [3.26, 7.92]), and large drusen (HR, 2.01 [1.35, 2.99]); OR, 1.98 [1.27, 3.08]). There was greater risk of geographic atrophy for IHRF and hyporeflective drusen cores (P < 0.05), and neovascularization for ellipsoid zone abnormality (P < 0.05). Other OCT biomarkers such as drusenoid pigment epithelium detachment, shallow irregular retinal pigment epithelium elevations, and nascent geographic atrophy exhibited large magnitudes of risk but required further studies for validation. CONCLUSION This review synthesizes the 6 most relevant OCT prognostic biomarkers for AMD with greater predictive ability than large drusen alone, for clinicians and researchers to focus on. Further study is required to validate other biomarkers with less than high certainty of evidence, and assess how the copresence of biomarkers may affect risks. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Trinh
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Rene Cheung
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Eye Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Annita Duong
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lisa Nivison-Smith
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Angelica Ly
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Yao H, Wu Z, Gao SS, Guymer RH, Steffen V, Chen H, Hejrati M, Zhang M. Deep Learning Approaches for Detecting of Nascent Geographic Atrophy in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2024; 4:100428. [PMID: 38284101 PMCID: PMC10818248 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2023.100428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Purpose Nascent geographic atrophy (nGA) refers to specific features seen on OCT B-scans, which are strongly associated with the future development of geographic atrophy (GA). This study sought to develop a deep learning model to screen OCT B-scans for nGA that warrant further manual review (an artificial intelligence [AI]-assisted approach), and to determine the extent of reduction in OCT B-scan load requiring manual review while maintaining near-perfect nGA detection performance. Design Development and evaluation of a deep learning model. Participants One thousand eight hundred and eighty four OCT volume scans (49 B-scans per volume) without neovascular age-related macular degeneration from 280 eyes of 140 participants with bilateral large drusen at baseline, seen at 6-monthly intervals up to a 36-month period (from which 40 eyes developed nGA). Methods OCT volume and B-scans were labeled for the presence of nGA. Their presence at the volume scan level provided the ground truth for training a deep learning model to identify OCT B-scans that potentially showed nGA requiring manual review. Using a threshold that provided a sensitivity of 0.99, the B-scans identified were assigned the ground truth label with the AI-assisted approach. The performance of this approach for detecting nGA across all visits, or at the visit of nGA onset, was evaluated using fivefold cross-validation. Main Outcome Measures Sensitivity for detecting nGA, and proportion of OCT B-scans requiring manual review. Results The AI-assisted approach (utilizing outputs from the deep learning model to guide manual review) had a sensitivity of 0.97 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.93-1.00) and 0.95 (95% CI = 0.87-1.00) for detecting nGA across all visits and at the visit of nGA onset, respectively, when requiring manual review of only 2.7% and 1.9% of selected OCT B-scans, respectively. Conclusions A deep learning model could be used to enable near-perfect detection of nGA onset while reducing the number of OCT B-scans requiring manual review by over 50-fold. This AI-assisted approach shows promise for substantially reducing the current burden of manual review of OCT B-scans to detect this crucial feature that portends future development of GA. Financial Disclosures Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heming Yao
- gRED Computational Science, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Zhichao Wu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Ophthalmology Division, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon S. Gao
- gRED Computational Science, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Robyn H. Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Ophthalmology Division, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Verena Steffen
- gRED Computational Science, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Hao Chen
- gRED Computational Science, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Mohsen Hejrati
- gRED Computational Science, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Miao Zhang
- gRED Computational Science, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
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Agrón E, Domalpally A, Chen Q, Lu Z, Chew EY, Keenan TDL. An Updated Simplified Severity Scale for Age-Related Macular Degeneration Incorporating Reticular Pseudodrusen: Age-Related Eye Disease Study Report Number 42. Ophthalmology 2024:S0161-6420(24)00263-X. [PMID: 38657840 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2024.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To update the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) simplified severity scale for risk of late age-related macular degeneration (AMD), including incorporation of reticular pseudodrusen (RPD), and to perform external validation on the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2). DESIGN Post hoc analysis of 2 clinical trial cohorts: AREDS and AREDS2. PARTICIPANTS Participants with no late AMD in either eye at baseline in AREDS (n = 2719) and AREDS2 (n = 1472). METHODS Five-year rates of progression to late AMD were calculated according to levels 0 to 4 on the simplified severity scale after 2 updates: (1) noncentral geographic atrophy (GA) considered part of the outcome, rather than a risk feature, and (2) scale separation according to RPD status (determined by validated deep learning grading of color fundus photographs). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Five-year rate of progression to late AMD (defined as neovascular AMD or any GA). RESULTS In the AREDS, after the first scale update, the 5-year rates of progression to late AMD for levels 0 to 4 were 0.3%, 4.5%, 12.9%, 32.2%, and 55.6%, respectively. As the final simplified severity scale, the 5-year progression rates for levels 0 to 4 were 0.3%, 4.3%, 11.6%, 26.7%, and 50.0%, respectively, for participants without RPD at baseline and 2.8%, 8.0%, 29.0%, 58.7%, and 72.2%, respectively, for participants with RPD at baseline. In external validation on the AREDS2, for levels 2 to 4, the progression rates were similar: 15.0%, 27.7%, and 45.7% (RPD absent) and 26.2%, 46.0%, and 73.0% (RPD present), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The AREDS AMD simplified severity scale has been modernized with 2 important updates. The new scale for individuals without RPD has 5-year progression rates of approximately 0.5%, 4%, 12%, 25%, and 50%, such that the rates on the original scale remain accurate. The new scale for individuals with RPD has 5-year progression rates of approximately 3%, 8%, 30%, 60%, and 70%, that is, approximately double for most levels. This scale fits updated definitions of late AMD, has increased prognostic accuracy, seems generalizable to similar populations, but remains simple for broad risk categorization. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Agrón
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Amitha Domalpally
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Qingyu Chen
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Biomedical Informatics and Data Science, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Zhiyong Lu
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Emily Y Chew
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Tiarnan D L Keenan
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
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Iliescu DA, Ghita AC, Ilie LA, Voiculescu SE, Geamanu A, Ghita AM. Non-Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Assessment: Focus on Optical Coherence Tomography Biomarkers. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:764. [PMID: 38611677 PMCID: PMC11011935 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14070764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The imagistic evaluation of non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is crucial for diagnosis, monitoring progression, and guiding management of the disease. Dry AMD, characterized primarily by the presence of drusen and retinal pigment epithelium atrophy, requires detailed visualization of the retinal structure to assess its severity and progression. Several imaging modalities are pivotal in the evaluation of non-neovascular AMD, including optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, or color fundus photography. In the context of emerging therapies for geographic atrophy, like pegcetacoplan, it is critical to establish the baseline status of the disease, monitor the development and expansion of geographic atrophy, and to evaluate the retina's response to potential treatments in clinical trials. The present review, while initially providing a comprehensive description of the pathophysiology involved in AMD, aims to offer an overview of the imaging modalities employed in the evaluation of non-neovascular AMD. Special emphasis is placed on the assessment of progression biomarkers as discerned through optical coherence tomography. As the landscape of AMD treatment continues to evolve, advanced imaging techniques will remain at the forefront, enabling clinicians to offer the most effective and tailored treatments to their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Adriana Iliescu
- Department of Physiology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Bld., 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (S.E.V.); (A.M.G.)
- Ocularcare Ophthalmology Clinic, 128 Ion Mihalache Bld., 012244 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.G.); (L.A.I.)
| | - Ana Cristina Ghita
- Ocularcare Ophthalmology Clinic, 128 Ion Mihalache Bld., 012244 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.G.); (L.A.I.)
| | - Larisa Adriana Ilie
- Ocularcare Ophthalmology Clinic, 128 Ion Mihalache Bld., 012244 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.G.); (L.A.I.)
| | - Suzana Elena Voiculescu
- Department of Physiology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Bld., 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (S.E.V.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Aida Geamanu
- Ophthalmology Department, Bucharest University Emergency Hospital, 169 Independence Street, 050098 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Aurelian Mihai Ghita
- Department of Physiology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Bld., 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (S.E.V.); (A.M.G.)
- Ocularcare Ophthalmology Clinic, 128 Ion Mihalache Bld., 012244 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.G.); (L.A.I.)
- Ophthalmology Department, Bucharest University Emergency Hospital, 169 Independence Street, 050098 Bucharest, Romania;
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11
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Vidal-Oliver L, Montolío-Marzo E, Gallego-Pinazo R, Dolz-Marco R. Optical coherence tomography biomarkers in early and intermediate age-related macular degeneration: A clinical guide. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024; 52:207-219. [PMID: 38214056 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Advanced forms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), characterised by atrophic and neovascular changes, are a leading cause of vision loss in the elderly population worldwide. Prior to the development of advanced AMD, a myriad of risk factors from the early and intermediate stages of AMD have been published in the scientific literature over the last years. The ability to precisely recognise structural and anatomical changes in the ageing macula, altogether with the understanding of the individual risk implications of each one of them is key for an accurate and personalised diagnostic assessment. The present review aims to summarise updated evidence of the relative risk conferred by diverse macular signs, commonly seen on optical coherence tomography, in terms of progression to geographic atrophy or macular neovascularization. This information may also serve as a basis for tailored follow-up monitoring visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Vidal-Oliver
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fundación Oftalmología Médica de la Comunidad Valenciana, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clínico San Carlos Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Macula Unit, Oftalvist Clinic, Valencia, Spain
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12
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Wu Z, Glover EK, Gee EE, Hodgson LA, Guymer RH. Functional Evaluation of Retinal Pigment Epithelium and Outer Retinal Atrophy by High-Density Targeted Microperimetry Testing. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2024; 4:100425. [PMID: 38192684 PMCID: PMC10772812 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2023.100425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Purpose Complete retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and outer retinal atrophy (cRORA) on OCT imaging has recently been proposed to describe end-stage atrophy in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by international consensus and expected to be associated with a dense scotoma, but such functional evidence is lacking. This study sought to examine the visual sensitivity defects associated with cRORA and to determine OCT features associated with deep defects. Design Observational study. Participants Sixty eyes from 53 participants, including 342 microperimetry tests over 171 study visits. Methods Participants underwent targeted high-density threshold-based microperimetry testing of atrophic lesions (with at least incomplete RPE and outer retinal atrophy [iRORA]) with a 3.5° diameter grid. The maximum extent of signs of atrophy for all lesions was graded on OCT imaging. Main Outcome Measures Number of deep visual sensitivity defects (threshold ≤ 10 decibels [dB]). Results Presence of choroidal signal hypertransmission ≥ 500 μm, complete RPE loss ≥250 μm, and inner nuclear layer and outer plexiform layer subsidence, and hyporeflective wedge-shaped band (defined as nascent geographic atrophy [nGA]) ≥ 500 μm (P ≤ 0.020), but not RPE attenuation or disruption (P ≥ 0.192), were all independently associated with a significant increase in the number of deep visual sensitivity defects ≤ 10 dB. Only cRORA lesions with hypertransmission ≥ 500 μm or complete RPE loss ≥ 250 μm, or with both of these features (P < 0.001), but not lesions with only hypertransmission 250-499 μm (P = 0.303), had significantly more deep visual sensitivity defects ≤ 10 dB compared with iRORA lesions. Lesions with nGA ≥ 500 μm, irrespective of the presence of hypertransmission ≥ 500 μm and/or complete RPE loss ≥ 250 μm, also showed a higher number of deep visual sensitivity defects ≤ 10 dB compared with lesions without nGA ≥ 500 μm (P ≤ 0.011). Conclusions Not all cRORA lesions show a difference in the number of deep visual sensitivity defects compared with iRORA. Instead, hypertransmission ≥ 500 μm, complete RPE loss ≥ 250 μm, and nGA ≥ 500 μm are all OCT features independently associated with deep visual sensitivity detects that could help inform the definition of end-stage atrophy on OCT imaging. Financial Disclosures Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Wu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Emily K. Glover
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - Erin E. Gee
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lauren A.B. Hodgson
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robyn H. Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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13
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Wu Z, Hodgson LA, Guymer RH. Targeted High-Density Microperimetry Testing of Nascent Geographic Atrophy in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2024; 4:100419. [PMID: 38170082 PMCID: PMC10758950 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2023.100419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Purpose To examine the effectiveness of a targeted high-density microperimetry testing strategy for detecting visual sensitivity abnormalities in eyes with nascent geographic atrophy (nGA) when compared with standard central microperimetry testing. Design Observational study. Participants Three-hundred and twenty-one eyes from 176 individuals with nonneovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods Thirty-five eyes from 33 participants underwent targeted high-density microperimetry testing of atrophic lesions (either nGA or geographic atrophy [GA]) within a 1.75° radius (or approximately 1000 μm diameter) region. Another cohort of 286 eyes from 143 participants with bilateral large drusen at baseline underwent standard microperimetry testing of the central 6° radius region at 6-monthly intervals for up to 36 months and thus included eyes that developed nGA and GA over the follow-up. All eyes underwent 2 tests at each visit to evaluate intrasession measurement repeatability. Main Outcome Measures Magnitude of visual sensitivity abnormalities based on mean sensitivity (MS), pointwise sensitivity standard deviation (PSD), and the number of test locations with a threshold of ≤ 10 decibels (dB; or deep defects) in eyes with nGA, compared between eyes that underwent targeted high-density microperimetry testing and standard central microperimetry testing. Results The magnitude of visual sensitivity abnormalities based on MS, PSD and the number of deep defects were all significantly greater in eyes with nGA using targeted, high-density microperimetry testing compared with eyes with nGA using standard central microperimetry testing (all P < 0.001) and were all significantly less than eyes with GA using targeted, high-density microperimetry testing (all P ≤ 0.004). The intrasession coefficient of repeatability, where 95% of the test-retest differences are expected to occur, for MS in eyes with atrophic changes was 0.9 dB with the targeted, high-density microperimetry testing, and 1.8 dB with standard central microperimetry testing. Conclusions Targeted, high-density microperimetry testing enabled the detection of a significantly greater magnitude of visual sensitivity abnormalities in eyes with nGA than standard microperimetry testing. Financial Disclosures Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Wu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lauren A.B. Hodgson
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robyn H. Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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14
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Wu Z, Terheyden JH, Hodgson LAB, Guymer RH. Choroidal signal hypertransmission on optical coherence tomography imaging: Association with development of geographic atrophy in age-related macular degeneration. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024. [PMID: 38286571 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To examine the association between large choroidal signal hypertransmission ≥250 μm (LHyperT) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) with the risk of developing geographic atrophy (GA) and compare this risk with those associated with nascent geographic atrophy (nGA). METHODS Two hundred and eighty eyes from 140 participants with bilateral large drusen and without late age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or nGA at baseline underwent OCT imaging and colour fundus photography (CFP) at 6-monthly intervals up to 5 years. OCT scans were graded for the presence of LHyperT and nGA, and CFPs were graded for the presence of GA. RESULTS The five-year incidence of LHyperT and nGA were 37% and 27% respectively (p = 0.003), and the two-year probability of their progression to GA were 17% and 40%, respectively (p = 0.002). LHyperT and nGA explained 81% and 91% of the variance in the time to develop GA, respectively (p = 0.032), and they were both associated with a significantly higher rate of GA development compared to eyes without these lesions (adjusted hazard ratio = 110.8 and 183.2, respectively; p < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSIONS LHyperT and nGA were both high-risk features for GA development, but the latter showed a higher rate of GA progression and explained a significantly greater proportion of the variance in the time to develop GA. As such, nGA may be a more robust surrogate endpoint than LHyperT for the conventional clinical endpoint of CFP-defined GA for intervention trials in the early stages of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Wu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jan H Terheyden
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lauren A B Hodgson
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robyn H Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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15
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Greig EC, Moult EM, Despotovic IN, Hodgson LAB, Pramil V, Fujimoto JG, Waheed NK, Guymer RH, Wu Z. Assessment of Choriocapillaris Flow Prior to Nascent Geographic Atrophy Development Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:33. [PMID: 38236187 PMCID: PMC10807498 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.1.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To assess the relationship between choriocapillaris (CC) loss and the development of nascent geographic atrophy (nGA) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) imaging. Methods In total, 105 from 62 participants with bilateral large drusen, without late age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or nGA at baseline, were included in this prospective, longitudinal, observational study. Participants underwent swept-source OCTA imaging at 6-month intervals. CC flow deficit percentage (FD%) and drusen volume measurements were determined for the visit prior to nGA development or the second-to-last visit if nGA did not develop. Global and local analyses, the latter based on analyses within superpixels (120 × 120-µm regions), were performed to examine the association between CC FD% and future nGA development. Results A total of 15 (14%) eyes from 12 (19%) participants developed nGA. There was no significant difference in global CC FD% at the visit prior to nGA development between eyes that developed nGA and those that did not (P = 0.399). In contrast, CC FD% was significantly higher in superpixels that subsequently developed nGA compared to those that did not (P < 0.001), and a model utilizing CC FD% was significantly better at predicting foci of future nGA development at the superpixel level than a model using drusen volume alone (P ≤ 0.040). Conclusions This study showed that significant impairments in CC blood flow could be detected locally prior to the development of nGA. These findings add to our understanding of the pathophysiologic changes that occur with atrophy development in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Custo Greig
- New England Eye Center, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Eric M. Moult
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Ivana N. Despotovic
- New England Eye Center, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Lauren A. B. Hodgson
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Varsha Pramil
- New England Eye Center, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - James G. Fujimoto
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Nadia K. Waheed
- New England Eye Center, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Robyn H. Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Zhichao Wu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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16
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Pfau M, Künzel SH, Pfau K, Schmitz-Valckenberg S, Fleckenstein M, Holz FG. Multimodal imaging and deep learning in geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration. Acta Ophthalmol 2023; 101:881-890. [PMID: 37933610 PMCID: PMC11044135 DOI: 10.1111/aos.15796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration is among the most common causes of irreversible vision loss in industrialized countries. Recently, two therapies have been approved by the US FDA. However, given the nature of their treatment effect, which primarily involves a relative decrease in disease progression, discerning the individual treatment response at the individual level may not be readily apparent. Thus, clinical decision-making may have to rely on the quantification of the slope of GA progression before and during treatment. A panel of imaging modalities and artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithms are available for such quantifications. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of GA imaging, the procedures for diagnosis and classification using these images, and the cutting-edge role of AI algorithms in automatically deriving diagnostic and prognostic insights from imaging data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Pfau
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Kristina Pfau
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Steffen Schmitz-Valckenberg
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Monika Fleckenstein
- John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Frank G. Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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17
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Lad EM, Finger RP, Guymer R. Biomarkers for the Progression of Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Ophthalmol Ther 2023; 12:2917-2941. [PMID: 37773477 PMCID: PMC10640447 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-023-00807-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of severe vision loss worldwide, with a global prevalence that is predicted to substantially increase. Identifying early biomarkers indicative of progression risk will improve our ability to assess which patients are at greatest risk of progressing from intermediate AMD (iAMD) to vision-threatening late-stage AMD. This is key to ensuring individualized management and timely intervention before substantial structural damage. Some structural biomarkers suggestive of AMD progression risk are well established, such as changes seen on color fundus photography and more recently optical coherence tomography (drusen volume, pigmentary abnormalities). Emerging biomarkers identified through multimodal imaging, including reticular pseudodrusen, hyperreflective foci, and drusen sub-phenotypes, are being intensively explored as risk factors for progression towards late-stage disease. Other structural biomarkers merit further research, such as ellipsoid zone reflectivity and choriocapillaris flow features. The measures of visual function that best detect change in iAMD and correlate with risk of progression remain under intense investigation, with tests such as dark adaptometry and cone-specific contrast tests being explored. Evidence on blood and plasma markers is preliminary, but there are indications that changes in levels of C-reactive protein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol may be used to stratify patients and predict risk. With further research, some of these biomarkers may be used to monitor progression. Emerging artificial intelligence methods may help evaluate and validate these biomarkers; however, until we have large and well-curated longitudinal data sets, using artificial intelligence effectively to inform clinical trial design and detect outcomes will remain challenging. This is an exciting area of intense research, and further work is needed to establish the most promising biomarkers for disease progression and their use in clinical care and future trials. Ultimately, a multimodal approach may yield the most accurate means of monitoring and predicting future progression towards vision-threatening, late-stage AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora M Lad
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Robert P Finger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Robyn Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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18
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Dow ER, Jeong HK, Katz EA, Toth CA, Wang D, Lee T, Kuo D, Allingham MJ, Hadziahmetovic M, Mettu PS, Schuman S, Carin L, Keane PA, Henao R, Lad EM. A Deep-Learning Algorithm to Predict Short-Term Progression to Geographic Atrophy on Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography. JAMA Ophthalmol 2023; 141:1052-1061. [PMID: 37856139 PMCID: PMC10587827 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2023.4659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Importance The identification of patients at risk of progressing from intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD) to geographic atrophy (GA) is essential for clinical trials aimed at preventing disease progression. DeepGAze is a fully automated and accurate convolutional neural network-based deep learning algorithm for predicting progression from iAMD to GA within 1 year from spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans. Objective To develop a deep-learning algorithm based on volumetric SD-OCT scans to predict the progression from iAMD to GA during the year following the scan. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study included participants with iAMD at baseline and who either progressed or did not progress to GA within the subsequent 13 months. Participants were included from centers in 4 US states. Data set 1 included patients from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 AREDS2 (Ancillary Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography) A2A study (July 2008 to August 2015). Data sets 2 and 3 included patients with imaging taken in routine clinical care at a tertiary referral center and associated satellites between January 2013 and January 2023. The stored imaging data were retrieved for the purpose of this study from July 1, 2022, to February 1, 2023. Data were analyzed from May 2021 to July 2023. Exposure A position-aware convolutional neural network with proactive pseudointervention was trained and cross-validated on Bioptigen SD-OCT volumes (data set 1) and validated on 2 external data sets comprising Heidelberg Spectralis SD-OCT scans (data sets 2 and 3). Main Outcomes and Measures Prediction of progression to GA within 13 months was evaluated with area under the receiver-operator characteristic curves (AUROC) as well as area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy. Results The study included a total of 417 patients: 316 in data set 1 (mean [SD] age, 74 [8]; 185 [59%] female), 53 in data set 2, (mean [SD] age, 83 [8]; 32 [60%] female), and 48 in data set 3 (mean [SD] age, 81 [8]; 32 [67%] female). The AUROC for prediction of progression from iAMD to GA within 1 year was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.92-0.95; AUPRC, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.85-0.95]; sensitivity, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.84-0.92]; specificity, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.87-0.92]) for data set 1. The addition of expert-annotated SD-OCT features to the model resulted in no improvement compared to the fully autonomous model (AUROC, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92-0.95; P = .19). On an independent validation data set (data set 2), the model predicted progression to GA with an AUROC of 0.94 (95% CI, 0.91-0.96; AUPRC, 0.92 [0.89-0.94]; sensitivity, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.74-0.98]; specificity, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.63-0.91]). At a high-specificity operating point, simulated clinical trial recruitment was enriched for patients progressing to GA within 1 year by 8.3- to 20.7-fold (data sets 2 and 3). Conclusions and Relevance The fully automated, position-aware deep-learning algorithm assessed in this study successfully predicted progression from iAMD to GA over a clinically meaningful time frame. The ability to predict imminent GA progression could facilitate clinical trials aimed at preventing the condition and could guide clinical decision-making regarding screening frequency or treatment initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliot R. Dow
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Hyeon Ki Jeong
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Ella Arnon Katz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Cynthia A. Toth
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Terry Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - David Kuo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Michael J. Allingham
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Majda Hadziahmetovic
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Priyatham S. Mettu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Stefanie Schuman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Lawrence Carin
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pearse A. Keane
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, National Institute for Health and Care Research, Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital National Health Services Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ricardo Henao
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eleonora M. Lad
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
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Kar D, Kim YJ, Packer O, Clark ME, Cao D, Owsley C, Dacey DM, Curcio CA. Volume electron microscopy reveals human retinal mitochondria that align with reflective bands in optical coherence tomography [Invited]. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2023; 14:5512-5527. [PMID: 37854576 PMCID: PMC10581790 DOI: 10.1364/boe.501228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are candidate reflectivity signal sources in optical coherence tomography (OCT) retinal imaging. Here, we use deep-learning-assisted volume electron microscopy of human retina and in vivo imaging to map mitochondria networks in the outer plexiform layer (OPL), where photoreceptors synapse with second-order interneurons. We observed alternating layers of high and low mitochondrial abundance in the anatomical OPL and adjacent inner nuclear layer (INL). Subcellular resolution OCT imaging of human eyes revealed multiple reflective bands that matched the corresponding INL and combined OPL sublayers. Data linking specific mitochondria to defined bands in OCT may help improve clinical diagnosis and the evaluation of mitochondria-targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepayan Kar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Yeon Jin Kim
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Orin Packer
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mark E. Clark
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Dongfeng Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Cynthia Owsley
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Dennis M. Dacey
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christine A. Curcio
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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20
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Liu J, Shen M, Laiginhas R, Herrera G, Li J, Shi Y, Hiya F, Trivizki O, Waheed NK, Chung CY, Moult EM, Fujimoto JG, Gregori G, Rosenfeld PJ. Onset and Progression of Persistent Choroidal Hypertransmission Defects in Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Novel Clinical Trial Endpoint. Am J Ophthalmol 2023; 254:11-22. [PMID: 36958537 PMCID: PMC10514236 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2023.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The appearance and growth of persistent choroidal hypertransmission defects (hyperTDs) detected on en face swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) images from eyes with intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD) were studied to determine if they could serve as novel clinical trial endpoints. DESIGN Post hoc subgroup analysis of a prospective study. METHODS Subjects with iAMD underwent 6 × 6 mm SS-OCT angiography imaging at their baseline and follow-up visits. The drusen volumes were obtained using a validated SS-OCT algorithm. Two graders independently evaluated all en face structural images for the presence of persistent hyperTDs. The number and area of all hyperTDs along with drusen volume were obtained from all SS-OCT angiography scans. Eyes were censored from further follow-up once exudative AMD developed. RESULTS A total of 171 eyes from 121 patients with iAMD were included. Sixty-eight eyes developed at least 1 hyperTD. Within 1 year after developing a hyperTD, 25% of eyes developed new hyperTDs for an average of 0.44 additional hyperTDs. Over 2 years, as hyperTDs appeared, enlarged, and merged, the average area growth rate was 0.220 mm/yr using the square-root transformation strategy. A clinical trial design using the onset and enlargement of these hyperTDs for the study of disease progression in eyes with iAMD is proposed. CONCLUSIONS The appearance and growth of persistent choroidal hyperTDs in eyes with iAMD can be easily detected and measured using en face OCT imaging and can serve as novel clinical trial endpoints for the study of therapies that may slow disease progression from iAMD to late AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida (J. Liu, M.S., R.L., G.H., J. Li, Y.S., F.H., O.T., G.G., P.J.R.), USA
| | - Mengxi Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida (J. Liu, M.S., R.L., G.H., J. Li, Y.S., F.H., O.T., G.G., P.J.R.), USA
| | - Rita Laiginhas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida (J. Liu, M.S., R.L., G.H., J. Li, Y.S., F.H., O.T., G.G., P.J.R.), USA
| | - Gissel Herrera
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida (J. Liu, M.S., R.L., G.H., J. Li, Y.S., F.H., O.T., G.G., P.J.R.), USA
| | - Jianqing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida (J. Liu, M.S., R.L., G.H., J. Li, Y.S., F.H., O.T., G.G., P.J.R.), USA
| | - Yingying Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida (J. Liu, M.S., R.L., G.H., J. Li, Y.S., F.H., O.T., G.G., P.J.R.), USA
| | - Farhan Hiya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida (J. Liu, M.S., R.L., G.H., J. Li, Y.S., F.H., O.T., G.G., P.J.R.), USA
| | - Omer Trivizki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida (J. Liu, M.S., R.L., G.H., J. Li, Y.S., F.H., O.T., G.G., P.J.R.), USA
| | - Nadia K Waheed
- New England Eye Center, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (N.K.W.), USA
| | - Carol Y Chung
- Carol Chung Statistics Consulting, Inc, Pacifica, California (C.Y.C.), USA
| | - Eric M Moult
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts (E.M.M., J.G.F.), USA
| | - James G Fujimoto
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts (E.M.M., J.G.F.), USA
| | - Giovanni Gregori
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida (J. Liu, M.S., R.L., G.H., J. Li, Y.S., F.H., O.T., G.G., P.J.R.), USA
| | - Philip J Rosenfeld
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida (J. Liu, M.S., R.L., G.H., J. Li, Y.S., F.H., O.T., G.G., P.J.R.), USA.
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21
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Trinh M, Kalloniatis M, Alonso-Caneiro D, Nivison-Smith L. Spatial Cluster Patterns of Retinal Sensitivity Loss in Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration Features. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:6. [PMID: 37676679 PMCID: PMC10494986 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.9.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To examine spatial patterns of retinal sensitivity loss in the three key features of intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD). Methods One-hundred individuals (53 iAMD, 47 normal) underwent 10-2 mesopic microperimetry testing in one eye. Pointwise sensitivities (dB) were corrected for age, sex, iAMD status, and co-presence of co-localized key iAMD features: drusen load, pigmentary abnormalities, and reticular pseudodrusen (RPD). Clusters (labeled by ranks of magnitude C-2, C-1, C0) were derived from pointwise sensitivities and then assessed by quadrants and eccentricity/rings. Results Two clusters of decreased sensitivities were evident in iAMD versus normal: C-2, -1.67 dB (95% CI (confidence intervals), -2.36 to -0.98; P < 0.0001); C-1, -0.93 dB (95% CI, -1.5 to -0.36; P < 0.01). One cluster of decreased sensitivity was independently associated each with increased drusen load (13.57 µm increase per -1 dB; P < 0.0001), pigmentary abnormalities (C-1: -2.23 dB; 95% CI, -3.36 to -1.1; P < 0.01), and RPD (C-1: -1.07 dB; 95% CI, -2 to -0.14; P < 0.01). Sensitivity loss in iAMD was biased toward the superior and central macula (P = 0.16 to <0.0001), aligning with structural distributions of features. However, sensitivity loss associated with drusen load also extended to the peripheral macula (P < 0.0001) with paracentral sparing, which was discordant with the central distribution of drusen. Conclusions Drusen load, pigmentary abnormalities, and RPD are associated with patterns of retinal sensitivity loss commonly demonstrating superior and central bias. Results highlighted that a clinical focus on these three key iAMD features using structural measures alone does not capture the complex, spatial extent of vision-related functional impairment in iAMD. Translational Relevance Defining the spatial patterns of retinal sensitivity loss in iAMD can facilitate a targeted visual field protocol for iAMD assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Trinh
- Centre for Eye Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Kalloniatis
- Centre for Eye Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine (Optometry), Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Alonso-Caneiro
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lisa Nivison-Smith
- Centre for Eye Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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22
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Clevenger L, Rachitskaya A. Identifying geographic atrophy. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2023; 34:195-202. [PMID: 36943458 DOI: 10.1097/icu.0000000000000952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness and can progress to geographic atrophy (GA) in late stages of disease. This review article highlights recent literature which assists in the accurate and timely identification of GA, and monitoring of GA progression. RECENT FINDINGS Technology for diagnosing and monitoring GA has made significant advances in recent years, particularly regarding the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT). Identification of imaging features which may herald the development of GA or its progression is critical. Deep learning applications for OCT in AMD have shown promising growth over the past several years, but more prospective studies are needed to demonstrate generalizability and clinical utility. SUMMARY Identification of GA and of risk factors for GA development or progression is essential when counseling AMD patients and discussing prognosis. With new therapies on the horizon for the treatment of GA, identification of risk factors for the development and progression of GA will become critical in determining the patients who would be appropriate candidates for new targeted therapies.
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