FACTORS INFLUENCING NEED FOR RETREATMENT AND LONG-TERM VISUAL OUTCOME AFTER INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB FOR MYOPIC CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION

Prognostic factors for intravitreal conbercept in the treatment of choroidal neovascularization secondary to pathological myopia

PURPOSE

To identify risk factors influencing visual outcomes in patients with pathological myopia-associated choroidal neovascularization (PM-CNV) following intravitreal injections of conbercept.

METHODS

A total of 86 eyes from 86 patients received intravitreal conbercept in a 1 + PRN regimen. After the initial injection, patients were followed for 12 months. They were categorized into two groups based on their 12-month visual acuity change: those who achieved greater than a one-line improvement in BCVA (improved group; n = 65) and those who experienced a one-line or lesser improvement or a decrease in BCVA (non-improved group; n = 21).

RESULTS

Over the 12-month period, the mean BCVA in the improved group significantly improved from 0.82 to 0.41 LogMAR. In the non-improved group, BCVA changed from 1.24 to 1.09 LogMAR. Similarly, the mean CRT decreased from 426.21 μm at baseline to 251.56 μm at 12 months in the improved group, and from 452.47 to 382.45 μm in the non-improved group. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that older age (OR 1.287; 95% CI 1.019-1.625; P = 0.034), poorer baseline BCVA (OR 6.422; 95% CI 1.625-25.384; P = 0.008), the presence of subfoveal CNV (OR 4.817; 95% CI 1.242-18.681; P = 0.023), and organized interlacing patterns of CNV morphology (OR 5.593; 95% CI 1.397-22.392; P = 0.015) emerged as independent risk factors correlated with worsened visual prognosis following intravitreal conbercept injections.

CONCLUSIONS

Conbercept demonstrates significant efficacy and safety in treating PM-CNV. Key factors influencing visual recovery post-treatment include older age, poorer baseline BCVA, the presence of subfoveal CNV, and organized interlacing patterns of CNV morphology.

Differences between pathologic and non-pathologic high myopia in 4-year outcomes of anti-VEGF therapy for macular neovascularization

This retrospective observational study aimed to investigate the difference in 4-year outcomes of ranibizumab or aflibercept therapy for macular neovascularization (MNV) with high myopia between pathologic myopia (PM) and non-PM. This study was conducted at Kyoto University Hospital and included consecutive treatment-naïve eyes with active myopic MNV, in which a single intravitreal ranibizumab or aflibercept injection was administered, followed by a pro re nata (PRN) regimen for 4 years. Based on the META-PM study classification, eyes were assigned to the non-PM and PM groups. This study analyzed 118 eyes of 118 patients (non-PM group, 19 eyes; PM group, 99 eyes). Baseline, 1-year, and 2-year best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were significantly better in the non-PM group (P = 0.02, 0.01, and 0.02, respectively); however, the 3-year and 4-year BCVA were not. The 4-year BCVA course was similar in both groups. However, the total number of injections over 4 years was significantly higher in the non-PM than in the PM group (4.6 ± 2.6 vs. 2.9 ± 2.6, P = 0.001). Four-year BCVA significantly correlated only with baseline BCVA in both non-PM (P = 0.047, β = 0.46) and PM groups (P < 0.001, β = 0.59). In conclusion, over the 4-year observation period, the BCVA course after anti-VEGF therapy for myopic MNV was similar in the eyes with non-PM and those with PM; however, more additional injections in a PRN regimen were required in the eyes with non-PM compared to those with PM. Thus, more frequent and careful follow-up is required for the eyes with non-PM compared with those with PM to maintain long-term BCVA.

Treatment of myopic choroidal neovascularization: a network meta-analysis and review

PURPOSE

This is, to our knowledge, the first network meta-analysis aiming to compare all treatment modalities for myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

METHODS

After the electronic databases were searched, two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, full-texts, and extracted information. Primary endpoints were change in visual outcome and central retinal thickness. We used a network meta-analysis to compare treatment outcomes in the early (≤ 6 months) and late (> 6 months) phase.

RESULTS

We included 34 studies (2,098 eyes) in our network meta-analysis. In the early phase, the use of anti-VEGF led to a gain of 14.1 letters (95% CI, 10.8-17.4) compared to untreated patients (p < 0.0001), 12.1 letters (95% CI, 8.3-15.8) to photodynamic therapy (PDT) (p < 0.0001), 7.5 (95% CI, 1.2-13.8) letters to intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (TCA) (p = 0.019), and - 2.9 letters (95% CI, - 6.0-0.2) to the combination of anti-VEGF and PDT (p = 0.065). In the later phase, these results were largely maintained. There were no significant differences in visual outcomes between patients treated with 1 + PRN and 3 + PRN. However, the 1 + PRN group received 1.8 (SD 1.3), while the 3 + PRN group received 3.2 (SD 0.9) injections within 12 months (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

This network meta-analysis confirms that anti-VEGF is the most effective treatment for myopic CNV using the 1 + PRN treatment strategy.

Improved accuracy of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography for monitoring myopic macular neovascularisation activity

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT) combined with OCT angiography (OCTA) for myopic myopic macular neovascularisation (MNV) activity.

METHODS

Both eyes of patients with myopic MNV diagnosed with fluorescein angiography (FA), SD OCT and OCTA were assessed by unmasked investigators. The images were deidentified and randomised before graded by masked investigators, who determined the presence of active myopic MNV by using SD OCT together with OCTA without FA and by FA alone, respectively. The findings of masked investigators were compared with unmasked investigators.

RESULTS

213 eyes of 110 patients comprising 499 imaging episodes were eligible for grading. For diagnosing new-onset myopic MNV without FA, combined use of SD OCT and OCTA had a sensitivity of 0.94, specificity of 0.84 and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.92. FA had a sensitivity of 0.52 (p<0.01), specificity of 0.80 (p=0.38) and AUC of 0.66 (p<0.01). For recurrent myopic MNV, the combination of SD OCT and OCTA had a sensitivity of 0.98, specificity of 0.78 and AUC of 0.88. FA had a sensitivity of 0.50 (p=0.04), specificity of 0.76 (p=0.85) and AUC of 0.63 (p=0.01). Myopic traction maculopathy was more frequently associated with recurrent myopic MNV (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

SD OCT with dense volumetric scan was highly sensitive for diagnosing myopic MNV. The addition of OCTA improved the diagnostic specificity without FA. Monitoring of the longitudinal changes on SD OCT and judicious use of FA is a reliable surveillance strategy for myopic MNV.

Comparison of anatomical and functional outcomes of treating myopic choroidal neovascularization with bevacizumab or ranibizumab

PURPOSE

To compare results of treatment with bevacizumab and ranibizumab injections in myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV).

METHODS

Retrospective, observational case series.

PARTICIPANTS

patients with mCNV treated with bevacizumab or ranibizumab injections. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans were collected at baseline, after 3, 6, 12, 24 months and the last visit.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

mean change in BCVA and CRT.

RESULTS

We included 85 eyes treated with bevacizumab and 125 eyes treated with ranibizumab. There was no difference between the groups regarding BCVA and CRT change. CNV recurrence occurred at the mean time of 66.1 ± 3.7 and 57.3 ± 6.4 months in the bevacizumab- and ranibizumab-treated eyes, respectively (p = 0.006). During the first year 6.9% eyes in the bevacizumab group vs. 27.5% in the ranibizumab group had CNV recurrence (p = 0.001). Risk factors for recurrence of CNV were baseline CNV area (aHR 1.20, 95%CI 1.0-1.32, p = 0.04), subfoveal CNV (aHR 2.13, 95% CI 1.16-3.93, p = 0.01) and ranibizumab treatment (aHR 2.31, 95% CI 1.16-3.93, p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Eyes treated with bevacizumab and ranibizumab can achieve similar anatomical and functional improvement. CNV recurrence may occur earlier and more frequently during the first year in eyes treated with ranibizumab.

Comparison of antivascular endothelial growth factor treatment for myopia choroidal neovascularisation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy for myopia choroidal neovascularisation (CNV), and to compare the efficacy of two different anti-VEGF retreatment criteria.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception to 31 July 2022.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing anti-VEGF with sham, photodynamic therapy (PDT) or PDT combination therapy in patients with myopia CNV were reviewed and selected. RCTs comparing visual acuity (VA) stabilisation or disease activity as anti-VEGF retreatment criteria were also included in the study.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Two reviewers independently conducted data extraction and quality assessment. We used a random-effects model for all analyses. Primary outcomes included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness. Secondary outcomes included number of patients who gained more than three lines in BCVA, number of anti-VEGF injections and ocular adverse event (AE).

RESULTS

Seven RCTs involving 1007 patients were included. Compared with sham and PDT therapy, anti-VEGF therapy achieved better BCVA gains of -0.28 logMAR (95% CI -0.36 to -0.20, p<0.00001) and -0.14 logMAR (95% CI -0.17 to -0.10, p<0.00001), respectively. Both ranibizumab and bevacizumab improved patients' vision better than PDT therapy and no definitive increased risk of ocular AE was observed. Analysis of two small RCTs showed that PDT combination therapy had similar visual improvement and needed fewer anti-VEGF injections compared with anti-VEGF monotherapy (weighted mean difference (WMD)=1.30; 95% CI 1.24 to 1.37, p<0.00001). Anti-VEGF retreatment guided by disease activity criteria resulted in comparable visual improvement and reduced anti-VEGF injections compared with retreatment guided by VA stabilisation (WMD=0.83; 95% CI 0.42 to 1.25, p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-VEGF therapy is effective and well-tolerated for myopia CNV patients. Anti-VEGF retreatment guided by disease activity criteria can achieve comparable efficacy and potentially reduce anti-VEGF injections.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021292806.

Optical coherence tomography biomarkers for myopic choroidal neovascularization treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor

In recent years, optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers for specific retinal diseases have been found to be associated with treatment outcome and disease recurrence. The main purposes of this study were to identify OCT biomarkers for myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) treated with intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF). OCT features in 43 eyes of 39 patients with mCNV treated with anti-VEGF with at least 1 year of follow-up were retrospectively analyzed. Eyes with subretinal hyperreflective material (SHM) in baseline spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) had significantly more visual improvement than eyes without SHM at month 6 (p = 0.007) and had a trend of more visual improvement than eyes without SHM (p = 0.058) at month 12. Eyes with subretinal fluid (SRF) at baseline had significantly more central retinal thickness (CRT) decrease than patients without SRF at month 6 and 12 (p = 0.012 and 0.006 respectively). In univariate regression analysis, dome-shaped macula (DSM), SRF in baseline OCT image and fuzzy border of mCNV when entering pro re nata (PRN) injection protocol tended to have higher risk of disease recurrence in 1 year (odds ratio: 14.86 (p = 0.003), 3.75 (p = 0.049) and 22.92 (p < 0.001) respectively). However, they were not significant in multivariate regression analysis. OCT biomarkers at baseline could provide prognostic information for mCNV management.

RISK FACTORS OF VISION LOSS AND MULTIPLE RECURRENCES IN MYOPIC MACULAR NEOVASCULARIZATION

PURPOSE

To investigate the factors associated with maximum visual improvement (peak vision) gain and the risk factors of peak vision loss and multiple recurrences in myopic macular neovascularization undergoing antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy.

METHODS

Retrospective study of 310 eyes with active myopic macular neovascularization and median follow-up of 3.5 years. We defined peak vision gain as the maximum best-corrected visual acuity value reached under treatment and peak vision loss as best-corrected visual acuity never scoring as peak vision. We used multiple-event Prentice, Williams, and Peterson models to compute recurrences' incidence and Cox regression to identify risk factors for peak vision gain, peak vision loss, and multiple recurrences.

RESULTS

Eyes with worse baseline best-corrected visual acuity {hazard ratio (HR) = 2.59 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.63-4.11) for 0.1 logMAR increase, P < 0.001} had higher chance to achieve peak vision. Peak vision was lost in 162 eyes (52%). Older age (HR = 1.22 [95% CI: 1.02-1.43] for 10-year increase, P = 0.02) and recurrences (HR = 1.10 [95% CI: 1.01-1.22] for event, P = 0.04) predicted nonsustained peak vision. Older age (HR = 1.13 [95% CI: 1.04-1.27] for 10-year increase, P = 0.006), larger myopic macular neovascularization (HR = 1.06 [95% CI: 1.01-1.13] for 1-mm 2 increase, P = 0.04), and juxtafoveal location (HR = 1.88 [95% CI: 1.28-2.77] vs. extrafoveal, P = 0.001) predicted multiple recurrences.

CONCLUSION

Myopic macular neovascularization eyes lose vision mainly because of multiple recurrences. Patients at risk for recurrences should undergo more attentive monitoring to avoid vision loss.

Myopic macular diseases: A review

Recent evidence has demonstrated that the global public health burden of myopia is rising rapidly. Highly myopic eyes are associated with increased frequency of eye disorders that can lead to irreversible visual impairment. With recent technological advancement in ophthalmic imaging modalities, various macular complications associated with pathologic myopia are being elucidated. The development and progression of myopic chorioretinal atrophy, myopic macular neovascularization, myopic traction maculopathy and dome-shaped macula are vision-threatening myopic macular diseases. In order to overcome the challenges in managing patients with pathologic myopia, it is important to have a complete understanding in the natural course of these myopic macular diseases. Standardising the classification criteria of pathologic myopia is essential for enhancing clinical surveillance. Personalised pharmaceutical therapy and surgical interventions will help to optimise the treatment outcomes in patients suffering from these myopic macular diseases.

Incidence, predictors and re-treatment outcomes of recurrent myopic choroidal neo-vascularization

Objectives

To evaluate incidence, predictors, and re-treatment outcome of recurrent myopic choroidal neovascularization (m-CNV).

Methods

Retrospective consecutive observational series. From year 2014 to 2019, 167 eyes of 167 patients of treatment naïve m-CNV were enrolled. 59 and 108 eyes were treated with intra-vitreal ranibizumab and bevacizumab mono-therapy, respectively. Recurrence was defined as re-appearance of CNV activity, confirmed on optical coherence tomography (OCT) after at least 3 months of cessation of anti-VEGF therapy. Incidence of recurrence, predictors and re-treatment outcomes were studied.

Results

Overall, mean age and spherical equivalence (SE) was 47.95 ± 14.72 years and -12.19 ± 4.93 D respectively. Males constituted 50.9%. 44 eyes (26.4%) had a recurrence during a mean follow up of 16.5 ± 12.86 months. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed the risk of recurrence was 8, 26 and, 33.6% at 6, 12 and 18 months, respectively. Age (p = 0.511), gender (p = 0.218), SE (p = 0.092), anti-VEGF (p = 0.629) and baseline BCVA (p = 0.519) did not influence recurrence. Number of injections administered to control the disease in the first episode was the only significant predictor of recurrence (Cox Proportional Hazard Ratio 2.89–3.07, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.28–7.45; p = 0.005). At 12 months, eyes requiring one injection in first episode had a recurrence rate of 12% versus 45% in eyes requiring 3 or more injections in the first episode. A mean number of 1.9 additional injections per eye was needed during re-treatment. Final BCVA in the recurrence group was similar to that of non-recurrence group (0.53 ± 0.40 versus 0.55 ± 0.36 LogMAR; p = 0.755). Baseline BCVA (p = 0.0001) was the only predictor of final visual outcome irrespective of anti-VEGF drug (p = 0.38).

Conclusion

Eyes requiring greater number of injections for disease control in first episode are “at risk” of early m-CNV recurrence. However, recurrence does not adversely affect visual outcome, if treated adequately.

Baseline predictors for good visual gains after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for myopic choroidal neovascularization

To investigate optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) biomarkers for good visual outcomes in eyes with myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) following anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy. Patients diagnosed with mCNV via multimodal imaging were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline demographic data and biomarkers were collected. Anti-VEGF treatment based on a pro re nata (PRN) regimen was conducted on all eyes. The visual gains of ≥ 15 ETDRS letters or < 15 letters at 12-month were classified into two groups. Regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with significant best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement. Among 34 patients, 17 eyes and 17 eyes were classified into the two groups. There were no statistically significant differences in qualitative OCTA biomarkers between the two groups. The ≥ 15 letters group had significantly thicker subfoveal choroid thickness (SFCT) (79.97 ± 33.15 vs. 50.66 ± 18.31, P = 0.003), more ellipsoid zone integrity (58.8% vs. 23.5%, P = 0.037) and lower levels of fractal dimension (1.45 ± 0.101 vs. 1.53 ± 0.082, P = 0.031) than the < 15 letters group. SFCT and the ellipsoid zone integrity were correlated with 15 letters or more VA improvement in both univariable and multivariable analyses (P = 0.023 and P = 0.044, respectively). Thicker SFCT and integrity of the ellipsoid zone at baseline were associated with greater visual gains at 12 months. OCTA biomarkers seem to play a less important role in predicting the visual outcome of mCNV.

Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors for predominantly Caucasian myopic choroidal neovascularization: 2-year treatment outcomes in clinical practice: data from the Fight Retinal Blindness! Registry

Purpose

To report the 24‐month outcomes of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors for myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) in predominantly Caucasian eyes in routine clinical practice.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of treatment‐naïve eyes starting intravitreal injection of VEGF inhibitors of either bevacizumab (1.25 mg) or ranibizumab (0.5 mg) for mCNV from 1 January 2006 to 31 May 2018 that were tracked in the Fight Retinal Blindness! registry.

Results

We identified 203 eyes (bevacizumab–85 and ranibizumab–118) of 189 patients. The estimated mean (95% CI) change in VA over 24 months for all eyes using longitudinal models was +8 (5, 11) letters with a median (Q1, Q3) of 3 (2, 5) injections given mostly during the first year. The estimated mean change in VA at 24 months was similar between bevacizumab and ranibizumab [+9 (5, 13) letters for bevacizumab versus +9 (6, 13) letters for ranibizumab; p = 0.37]. Both agents were also similar in the mCNV activity outcomes, treatment frequency and visit frequency.

Conclusions

The 24‐month treatment outcomes of VEGF inhibitors for mCNV were favourable in this largest series yet reported of predominantly Caucasian eyes in routine clinical practice, with approximately two lines of visual gain and a median of three injections given mostly during the first year. These outcomes are similar to those reported for predominantly Asian eyes. Bevacizumab appeared to be as safe and effective as ranibizumab.

Anti-VEGF Therapy in Myopic CNV

In this narrative-review, we report the most recent data from the literature of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment for myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV). Myopic CNV is the most frequent sight-threatening complication of pathologic myopia. The natural course of mCNV can result in expanding macular atrophy and /or fibrosis, leading to irreversible visual loss after 5 years. Retinal multimodal imaging is mandatory for early diagnosis and monitoring of the disease during treatment. Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy is recommended as the first-line treatment option for mCNV. Prompt treatment of active mCNV with intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy has been demonstrated to be effective in terms of visual outcome improvements reducing the occurrence of late-stage complications.

Using optical coherence tomography angiography to guide myopic choroidal neovascularization treatment: a 3-year follow-up study

PURPOSE

To report the long-term changes of the size of myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

METHODS

This was a retrospective, observational case study of eleven eyes in eleven patients with mCNV followed with OCTA for a minimum of 3 years. The flow area of mCNV on OCTA, the size of chorioretinal atrophy (CRA) and central choroidal thickness were analyzed. The relationship between the changes of mCNV size and recurrences treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents was also assessed.

RESULTS

Three eyes out of eleven eyes showed enlargement of the mCNV over 3 years. In two of the three eyes, the mCNV recurrences had not been treated immediately (the examination intervals were 4 months and 5 months, respectively), and we found obvious enlargement of the mCNV. In three eyes, the mCNV size decreased in 1 year and was stable thereafter without recurrences. In five eyes, mCNV size did not show remarkable changes for 3 years. In three of the five eyes, no recurrences were detected and two of the five eyes underwent prompt treatments against recurrences.

CONCLUSION

Regular examination and prompt treatments against recurrences are critical to prevent enlargement of mCNV.

Baseline characteristics of myopic choroidal neovascularization in patients above 50 years old and prognostic factors after intravitreal conbercept treatment

To investigate the influence of age on the function and morphology of patients with myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) and to evaluate the effect and prognostic factors of recurrence of Conbercept treatment on mCNV patients over 50 years. A total of 64 patients (64 eyes) with mCNV were enrolled in this retrospective study. The differences in baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and morphological features on imaging between the younger group (˂ 50 years) and the older group (≥ 50 years) were analyzed. Of all, 21 eyes of 21 mCNV patients aged over 50 years who received Conbercept injection were further analyzed. Between the younger and the older group, significant differences were shown in mean BCVA (0.58 ± 0.28 vs 0.77 ± 0.31), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) (108.17 ± 78.32 μm vs 54.68 ± 39.03 μm) and frequency of vitreoretinal interface abnormalities (VIA) (2 vs 13), respectively (P < 0.05). After treated with Conbercept, the mean BCVA of 21 older mCNV patients increased from 0.83 ± 0.30 at baseline to 0.49 ± 0.24 at one year. Baseline BCVA, external limiting membrane damage, CNV area and CNV location correlated with the visual acuity at the 1-year follow-up. There were 7 (33.3%) recurrent cases during the follow-up and the risk of recurrence in patients with baseline central macular thickness (CMT) ≥ 262.86 μm was 14 times greater than that of patients with CMT < 262.86 μm. The risk of recurrence increased 1.84 times for every 100-μm increment in the CMT. Patients over 50 years with mCNV had a worse BCVA, thinner choroid, and higher risk of VIA than young mCNV patients. The standard Conbercept treatment strategy was safe and effective in mCNV patients over 50 years. As patients over 50 years with a greater CMT have a high risk of recurrence, more attention should be paid on these patients by following them up closely.

Late-phase hypercyanescence during indocyanine green angiography for assessment of myopic choroidal neovascularization

PURPOSE

Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) is a major diagnostic modality but the clinical implications of specific staining patterns in active myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) are unclear. We examined the associations of ICGA cyanofluorescence patterns with disease characteristics and response to an as-needed intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) treatment regimen among active mCNV patients.

METHODS

Twenty-four subjects with active mCNV treated by IVR were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Information from medical records were reviewed, including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fluorescein angiography (FA) findings, ICGA cyanofluorescence patterns, and spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) results. The CNV lesion size, CNV thickness, and central retinal thickness (CRT) were measured from these images.

RESULTS

Two staining patterns were identified on late-phase ICGA images, hypercyanescence (9/24, 37.5%) and non-hypercyanescence (15/24, 62.5%). There were no differences in baseline BCVA, CNV thickness, and CRT between ICGA pattern groups; however, the hypercyanescence group demonstrated a larger CNV lesion size (p = 0.035) and required more IVR injections than the non-hypercyanescence group (2.67 ± 1.58 vs 1.07 ± 0.27, p = 0.016), while the non-hypercyanescence group demonstrated better final BCVA improvement (p = 0.041). Hypercyanescence could be divided into two types, a uniform type and rim type. A pseudopodia-like protrusion of CNV enlargement with a rim-enhanced type hypercyanescence at the protrusion rim was predictive of required retreatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypercyanescence on late-phase ICGA may assist in identifying more active mCNV requiring intensive treatment.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of ranibizumab for the treatment of myopic choroidal neovascularization: Results from the LUMINOUS study

Purpose

To assess the 1-year effectiveness, safety, and treatment patterns of ranibizumab in patients with myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) enrolled in the LUMINOUS study.

Methods

This 5-year, prospective, multicenter, observational, study enrolled 30,138 patients across all approved ranibizumab indications from outpatient ophthalmology clinics. 297 consenting patients (≥18 years) with mCNV who were treatment-naïve or prior-treated with ranibizumab or other ocular treatments were enrolled, and treated with ranibizumab according to the local product label. The main outcomes are visual acuity (VA; Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters or equivalent), adverse events during the study, and treatment exposure over 1 year. Results are presented by prior treatment status of the study eye and injection frequency.

Results

Of the 297 mCNV patients recruited in the study, 108 were treatment-naïve and 175 were prior ranibizumab-treated. At baseline, the mean age of patients was 57.6 years, and 59.0 years and 80.6% and 65.7% were female in the treatment-naïve and prior ranibizumab-treated groups, respectively. Most were Caucasian (treatment-naïve, 88.9%; prior ranibizumab-treated, 86.9%). The mean (±standard deviation [SD]) VA letter changes to 1 year were +9.7 (±17.99) from 49.5 (±20.51) and +1.5 (±13.15) from 58.5 (±19.79) and these were achieved with a mean (SD) of 3.0 (±1.58) and 2.6 (±2.33) injections in the treatment-naïve and prior ranibizumab-treated groups, respectively. Presented by injection frequencies 1–2, 3–4 and ≥5 injections in Year 1, the mean (SD) VA changes were +15.0 (±14.70), +7.7 (±19.91) and −0.7 (±16.05) in treatment-naïve patients and +1.5 (±14.57), +3.1 (±11.53) and −3.6 (±11.97) in prior ranibizumab-treated patients, respectively. The safety profile was comparable with previous ranibizumab studies.

Conclusions

Ranibizumab treatment for mCNV showed robust VA gains in treatment-naïve patients and VA maintenance in prior ranibizumab-treated patients in a clinical practice setting, consisting mainly of Caucasians. No new safety signals were observed during the study.

Pharmacotherapy of Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization

BACKGROUND

Myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a common cause of central visual loss in patients with high myopia, and the most common form of CNV in younger individuals. Pharmacologic therapy is the current mainstay of treatment of these patients.

METHODS

Review of pharmacological treatment options for myopic CNV, which primarily involves intravitreal administration of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents.

RESULTS

At this time, anti-VEGF therapy agents are the first-line therapy in these patients. Comparative trials have not identified any major differences in treatment outcomes between aflibercept, bevacizumab, and ranibizumab. Only ranibizumab is approved for this indication in the US. Best visual outcomes are associated with younger age, smaller lesion size, and absence of chorioretinal atrophy.

CONCLUSION

Anti-VEGF therapy is generally very effective in the treatment of myopic CNV.

Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy for Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization

Myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is one of the most vision-impairing complications in patients with pathologic myopia. It is also one of the most frequently encountered non.age-related macular degeneration causes of CNV and affects young patients in the working age group. Fluorescein angiography (FA) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) are generally indicated to confirm the diagnosis of active myopic CNV before initiation of treatment. Without treatment, natural history studies have shown that the vision outcome can be very poor. More recently, a number of retrospective, prospective and phase 3, multicenter, randomized controlled trials have established the safety and efficacy of intravitreal anti.vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents for the treatment of myopic CNV. Long-term follow-up studies have found that some of the initial vision gained after intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy may not be maintained, owing to the presence and progression of chorioretinal atrophy (CRA) adjacent to the CNV. Further research on clinical and imaging characteristics may elucidate the prognostic factors that are crucial to optimizing the treatment and prevention of visual impairment associated with myopic CNV.

Diagnosis and treatment guideline for myopic choroidal neovascularization due to pathologic myopia

Pathologic myopia is a leading cause of visual impairment. Development of myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is one of the most common complications that leads to central vision loss in patients with pathologic myopia. If left untreated, it can cause scarring with expanding macular atrophy leading to irreversible visual loss in a period as short as 5 years. Advancements in multimodal imaging technology have furthered our understanding of the condition; however, further studies are necessary to extend its utility in the diagnosis of myopic CNV. Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy has become the standard-of-care and the recommended first-line treatment option for myopic CNV. Long-term studies have demonstrated that early treatment of confirmed myopic CNV cases with an intravitreal anti-VEGF agent is useful to avoid late-stage complications. This strategy has also been shown to achieve visual outcome improvements for up to 4 years and visual stabilization up to 6 years. This review article provides an overview of the current knowledge on myopic CNV and discusses recent updates in the diagnosis and management of the condition. Furthermore, treatment recommendations are provided based on the authors' expert opinions.

Treatment of myopic choroidal neovascularization with intravitreal ranibizumab injections: the role of age

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to explore the role of age as a prognostic factor for the outcome of myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) treatment with intravitreal ranibizumab injections.

METHODS

A retrospective review of charts of patients treated with intravitreal injections of ranibizumab for the treatment of myopic CNV was done. Patients with other ophthalmic disease were excluded. Patients were followed for at least 2 years. The correlation between age and the change in visual acuity and the number of injections during treatment was investigated.

RESULTS

Age of the patients was significantly correlated with the number of injections that the patients received (Pearson's r=0.585, P=0.005). Also, it was significantly correlated with improvement in corrected distance visual acuity, defined as the difference between final and initial LogMAR corrected distance visual acuity (Pearson's r=0.614, P=0.003).

CONCLUSION

Age significantly affects the visual outcome of myopic CNV treatment with ranibizumab. Younger patients in our study needed fewer intravitreal injections and achieved a more significant improvement in vision.

Features of optical coherence tomography predictive of choroidal neovascularisation treatment response in pathological myopia in association with fluorescein angiography

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of several optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings to estimate choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) activity in pathological myopia using fluorescein angiography (FA) as a reference.

METHODS

This was a single-centre, retrospective study. The medical records of patients with active myopic CNV who received intravitreal bevacizumab treatment were reviewed. Parameters to monitor CNV activity were morphological features of CNV on OCT, such as CNV height, central foveal thickness, intraretinal cysts, subretinal fluid, fuzziness of the CNV border, CNV network area on FA, and haemorrhage or exudation on fundus photo.

RESULTS

There were 46 patients with active CNV enrolled in this study. After intravitreal bevacizumab treatment, all the previously mentioned parameters of CNV were significantly improved. Using logistic regression analyses with backward elimination, the fuzzy border seen on OCT showed the most significant correlation with improvement of leakage on FA, when compared with other variables such as intraretinal cysts, subretinal fluid or central foveal thickness (R²=0.324, p=0.009).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that the fuzziness of the hyper-reflective CNV margin showed the most significant improvement and the strongest correlation with the improvement of CNV leakage on FA after intravitreal bevacizumab injections, suggesting its important role as an OCT parameter for the assessment of myopic CNV activity.

Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor use and treatment approach for choroidal neovascularization secondary to pathologic myopia

INTRODUCTION

Myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the most common cause of CNV in those under 50 years of age. It is a significant cause of visual loss in those with pathologic myopia. The current standard of care involves therapy with intravitreal inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

AREAS COVERED

The epidemiology of myopia, high myopia, pathologic myopia, and myopic CNV is reviewed, along with a brief discussion of historical treatments. The pharmacology of the three most commonly used anti-VEGF agents is discussed, with an emphasis on the licensed drugs, ranibizumab and aflibercept. A comprehensive clinical approach to diagnosis and treatment of myopic CNV is presented.

EXPERT OPINION

The current standard of care for myopic CNV is intravitreal inhibition of VEGF, with ranibizumab and aflibercept licensed for intraocular use. The diagnosis, OCT features of disease activity and retreatment algorithm for myopic CNV is different from wet age-related macular degeneration. In the long-term, myopic CNV may be associated with gradual, irreversible visual loss due to progressive chorioretinal atrophy, for which there is currently no treatment.

The role of anti-VEGF agents in myopic choroidal neovascularization: Current standards and future outlook

INTRODUCTION

The global prevalence of pathologic myopia is 0.9-3.1%, and visual impairment is found in 0.1-0.5% of European and 0.2-1.4% of Asian studies. Myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) affects 5.2-11.3% of pathologic myopia patients and is a leading cause of vision impairment in the working-age population. Characteristic morphological changes and visual-acuity decrease are diagnostic features. Vascular-Endothelial-Growth-Factor (VEGF) has been identified as a trigger for pathologic neovascularization in these highly myopic patients.

AREAS COVERED

We cover the epidemiology, pathology and diagnostic aspects of mCNV. The history of therapeutic interventions is described, followed by an overview of current standard-of-care (SOC)-blocking VEGF using bevacizumab (off-label), ranibizumab or aflibercept and improving vision up to 13.5-14.4 letters. Despite good efficacy, an unmet medical need remains. We summarize ongoing and future developments of new drugs to treat or potentially cure mCNV.

EXPERT OPINION

mCNV is a major global health concern. Early detection and treatment is key for a satisfying outcome. The current SOC, VEGF inhibitors, affords good therapeutic efficacy and reasonable disease stabilization with few intravitreal treatments per year. However, the long-term prognosis is still unsatisfactory, and side-effects like chorioretinal atrophy development are of concern. Therefore, efforts should be intensified to develop more effective therapies.