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

AIMS

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Recurrence risk of myopic choroidal neovascularisation: a systematic review of current study

INTRODUCTION

The rising prevalence of myopia is a concern in ophthalmology, with myopic choroidal neovascularisation (m-CNV) significantly affecting vision. However, long-term outcomes of m-CNV management have been unsatisfactory, leading to high recurrence rates. These studies aim to identify risk factors for m-CNV recurrence.

METHODS

Comprehensive review followed a pre-registered plan in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). The search strategy used various databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus and ScienceDirect using the keywords 'Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization', 'Recurrence' and 'Risk'. Eligible studies were identified and analysed based on predetermined criteria. This study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD4202343461).

RESULTS

The systematic review included three retrospective studies investigating risk factors associated with m-CNV recurrence. These factors are: (1) requiring three or more injections for initial disease control, (2) older age, (3) larger myopic macular neovascularisation, (4) juxtafoveal CNV, (5) larger height of hyper-reflective foci (HRF) and (6) destruction or absence of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE).

CONCLUSION

Risk factors for m-CNV recurrence include a greater number of required injections, older age, large macular CNV, juxtafoveal location, increased HRF height and changes in EZ and RPE structure. Understanding these factors can inform personalised treatment approaches and improve patient outcomes by identifying individuals at higher risk of recurrence and implementing proactive measures to mitigate the impact of m-CNV recurrence and progression. Further investigation is needed to enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and develop innovative therapeutic approaches for effective m-CNV management.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD4202343461.

Study protocol on prevalence of non-exudative macular neovascularisation and its contribution to prediction of exudation in fellow eyes with unilateral exudative AMD (EYE-NEON)

PURPOSE

Fellow eyes of patients with unilateral neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) are at risk of developing macular neovascularisation (MNV). These eyes may first develop subclinical non-exudative MNV (neMNV) before they leak to form exudative MNV (eMNV). The EYE NEON study is a 2-year study aimed at estimating the prevalence and incidence of neMNV and evaluating its role as a predictor for conversion to neovascular AMD.

METHODS

EYE NEON is a multicentre study that will run in retinal clinics across 25 National Health Service with the aim to recruit 800 patients with new onset nAMD in the first eye. The fellow-eye with no evidence of nAMD at baseline will be the study eye. All study eyes will have OCT and OCTA done at first and second year following first anti-VEGF treatment to the first eye (non-study eye), with new onset nAMD. We will estimate the prevalence and incidence of neMNV over 2 years, rate of conversion from neMNV to eMNV and numbers initiated on treatment for neovascular AMD in the study eye will be reported. Predictive models of conversion including neMNV with other demographic and imaging parameters will be developed.

CONCLUSION

The study design with proposed target sample size is sufficient to evaluate the retinal imaging characteristics of the study eyes with and without neMNV and develop predictive models to inform risk of conversion to nAMD.

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

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

Characteristics and Spatial Distribution of Structural Features in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A MACUSTAR Study Report

PURPOSE

To report the prevalence and topographic distribution of structural characteristics in study participants with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and controls in the cross-sectional study part of the MACUSTAR study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03349801).

DESIGN

European, multicenter cohort study.

SUBJECTS

Overall, 301 eyes of 301 subjects with early (n = 34), intermediate (n = 168), and late AMD (n = 43), as well as eyes without any AMD features (n = 56).

METHODS

In study eyes with intermediate AMD (iAMD), the presence of structural AMD biomarkers, including pigmentary abnormalities (PAs), pigment epithelium detachment (PED), refractile deposits, reticular pseudodrusen (RPD), hyperreflective foci (HRF), incomplete/complete retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and outer retinal atrophy (i/cRORA), and quiescent choroidal neovascularization (qCNV) was systematically determined in the prospectively acquired multimodal retinal imaging cross-sectional data set of MACUSTAR. Retinal layer thicknesses and the RPE drusen complex (RPEDC) volume were determined for the total study cohort in spectral-domain (SD) OCT imaging using a deep-learning-based algorithm.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence and topographic distribution of structural iAMD features.

RESULTS

A total of 301 study eyes of 301 subjects with a mean (± standard deviation) age of 71.2 ± 7.20 years (63.1% women) were included. Besides large drusen, the most prevalent structural feature in iAMD study eyes were PA (57.1%), followed by HRF (51.8%) and RPD (22.0%). Pigment epithelium detachment lesions were observed in 4.8%, vitelliform lesions in 4.2%, refractile deposits in 3.0%, and qCNV in 2.4%. Direct precursor lesions for manifest retinal atrophy were detected in 10.7% (iRORA) and 4.2% (cRORA) in iAMD eyes. Overall, the highest RPEDC volume with a median of 98.92 × 10^-4 mm³ was found in iAMD study eyes. Spatial analysis demonstrated a predominant distribution of RPD in the superior and temporal subfields at a foveal eccentricity of 1.5 to 2 mm, whereas HRF and large drusen had a distinct topographic distribution involving the foveal center.

CONCLUSIONS

Detailed knowledge of the prevalence and distribution of structural iAMD biomarkers is vital to identify reliable outcome measure for disease progression. Longitudinal analyses are needed to evaluate their prognostic value for conversion to advanced disease stages.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Development of subretinal hemorrhage after treatment discontinuation for neovascular age-related macular degeneration and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE

To investigate the incidence, risk factors, and their influence on visual outcomes of subretinal hemorrhage (SRH) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy(PCV) who discontinue treatment.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 148 patients with nAMD and PCV who discontinued treatment. The development of a 3-disc area or greater extent of SRH after treatment discontinuation was identified. Visual acuity at the final visit was compared between patients with and those without SRH. Factors associated with SRH were then analyzed.

RESULTS

During the mean 56.8 ± 18.2 months of follow-up, treatment was discontinued at a mean 24.1 ± 16.3 months after diagnosis. SRH developed in 24 (16.2%) patients at a mean 21.5 ± 17.6 months after treatment discontinuation. The visual acuity at the final follow-up was significantly worse in patients with SRH than in those without SRH (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the incidence of SRH among the different types of macular neovascularization (MNV) (P = 0.024). In particular, the incidence of type 3 MNV was relatively high (36.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

The development of SRH may lead to very poor visual prognosis in patients who discontinue treatment. The high risk of SRH in type 3 MNV suggests the need for caution when choosing treatment discontinuation in cases of type 3 MNV.

STATIN USE AND THE INCIDENCE OF AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION: A Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) shares many of the same risk factors with atherosclerosis. There is a postulated role of lipid-lowering agents in preventing AMD. This meta-analysis investigates the possible role of statins in the prevention of AMD onset and progression.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and the reference lists of included studies were systematically searched from inception to September 2020. Studies were included if they measured the risk of AMD development or progression with statin use. The primary outcomes assessed were AMD incidence and progression. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of early AMD, late AMD, choroidal neovascularization, and geographic atrophy.

RESULTS

Twenty-one articles (1 randomized control trial and 20 observational studies) collectively reporting on 1,460,989 participants were included. The pooled risk ratios (95% confidence interval) for statin use on any, early, and late AMD incidence were 1.05 (0.85-1.29) (P = 0.44), 0.99 (0.88-1.11) (P = 0.86), and 1.15 (0.90-1.47) (P = 0.27), respectively. In patients with existing AMD, the respective risk ratios for statin use on incidence of AMD progression, choroidal neovascularization, and geographic atrophy were 1.04 (0.70-1.53) (P = 0.85), 0.99 (0.66-1.48) (P = 0.95), and 0.84 (0.58-1.22) (P = 0.36).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis found that there was no significant difference in the incidence or progression of AMD based on statin use.

Long term follow-up of visual acuity and incidence of subretinal neovascularization in Mactel Type 2 in 82 Eyes

PURPOSE

: To evaluate the long-term natural course of macular telangiectasia Type 2, correlation with visual acuity and the incidence of Choroidal Neovascularisation (CNV) in Indian eyes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

: A Retrospective analysis of Patients with MacTel Type 2 was done over a period of 12 years with all patients having a minimum of 3 years follow up. The demographic details and ocular characteristics including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography images were studied in both proliferative and non-proliferative MacTel. Mixed models were used to estimate progression rates and a Kaplan Meier estimation of BCVA was plotted.

RESULTS

: Eighty-two eyes of 47 patients were studied over a period of mean duration of 4.5 years (range: 3 years-8.5 years). There was no difference in the demographic characteristics between the non-proliferative MacTel and proliferative MacTel groups. There were no significant risk factors observed for progression. However, patients with retinal greying had significant risk reduction for a BCVA decline. The mean logMAR BCVA decreased from 0.25 ± 0.25 at baseline to 0.46 ± 0.42 by 4 years. Twenty-eight percent of the patients maintained their vision 8 years from baseline and were unlikely to progress. The incidence of CNV was 10.6% and the mean duration for the development of CNV was 2.36 years from baseline. Seventy-Three percent (11 of 15) patients with CNV had a BCVA of <20/40.

CONCLUSION

: In patients of MacTel, the maximum vision loss occurred at the fourth year and then stabilized. The major cause of poor vision observed was CNV (active in 10.98% and scarred in 7.32%), foveal atrophy (10.98%) and central pigmented plaques (3.66%). The incidence of sight-threatening complication of CNV (10.6%) is likely to occur only in a minority of eyes.

SMOKING, RURAL RESIDENCE AND DIABETES AS RISK FACTORS FOR PRESUMED OCULAR HISTOPLASMOSIS SYNDROME

PURPOSE

To investigate the relationship of smoking, urbanicity, and diabetes to presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS) and associated choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

METHODS

Medical records of 751 adult patients with POHS were reviewed, including 603 patients without CNV and 148 patients with CNV. Age-matched and gender-matched controls were randomly selected from the same practice for comparison. Statistical comparisons of smoking history, urbanicity, and diabetic history were performed using chi-square and conditional logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Increased rates of current or former smoking, rural residence, and diabetes were found in patients with POHS compared with controls. POHS patients with CNV had increased rates of current or former smoking and rural residence as compared with controls.

CONCLUSION

A history of current or past smoking is associated with an increased risk of developing both POHS alone and POHS with CNV. We did not find a significant additional risk of smoking on the development of CNV in patients with POHS. Patients living in rural locations are more likely than those in urban locations to develop both POHS and POHS with CNV. Diabetics may be more likely to develop POHS than nondiabetics.

Long-term characteristics of exudative age-related macular degeneration in Japanese patients

Purpose

The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Japanese patients over a 10-year period and to compare the past our report.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 1,600 treatment-naïve patients (1,777 eyes) with exudative AMD. The 10 years were divided into 2-year phases I to V.

Results

Of the 1,600 patients, 720 (45.0%), 733 (45.8%), 98 (6.1%), and 49 (3.1%) were diagnosed with typical AMD, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), retinal angiomatous proliferation, and combined subtypes, respectively. The prevalence of PCV decreased from 54.7% in phase I to 46.0% at phase V. Of the 1,777 eyes, the mean baseline logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuities (BCVAs) in phases I, II, III, IV, and V were 0.70, 0.66, 0.55, 0.50, and 0.48, respectively. Phases III, IV, and V had significantly (P = 0.0012, P<0.0001, P<0.0001, respectively) better baseline VAs compared with phase I. The mean lesion sizes in phases I, II, III, IV, and V were 8.6, 6.7, 5.3, 5.7, and 5.7 Macular Photocoagulation Study disc areas, respectively. The sizes were significantly (P<0.0001 for all comparisons) smaller in phases III, IV, and V compared with phase I.

Conclusions

Although the prevalence of PCV decreased from 54.7% in phase I to 46.0% at phase V, PCV has nevertheless been highly prevalent in Japanese patients with AMD compared with Caucasian patients. The annual better baseline VAs and smaller lesion sizes over time might be related to development of treatment and better concerns about AMD.

Unaffected fellow eye neovascularization in patients with type 3 neovascularization: Incidence and risk factors

Purpose

To evaluate the incidence and risk factors of neovascularization in unaffected fellow eyes of patients diagnosed with type 3 neovascularization in Korea.

Methods

This retrospective study included 93 unaffected fellow eyes of 93 patients diagnosed with type 3 neovascularization. For initial type 3 neovascularization diagnosis, optical coherence tomography and angiography were conducted. These baseline data were compared between patients with and without neovascularization in their fellow eyes during the follow-up period.

Results

The mean follow-up period was 66.1±31.1 months. Neovascularization developed in 49 (52.8%) fellow eyes after a mean period of 29.5±19.6 months. In the fellow eye neovascularization group, the incidence of soft drusen and reticular pseudodrusen was significantly higher than that in the non-neovascularization group (83.7% vs. 36.5%, p<0.001; 67.3% vs. 40.9%, p = 0.017, respectively), but the choroidal vascularity index (CVI) showed a significantly lower value (60.7±2.0% vs. 61.7±2.5%; p = 0.047). The presence of reticular pseudodrusen was related with the duration from baseline to development of fellow eye neovascularization (p = 0.038).

Conclusion

Neovascularization developed in 52.8% of unaffected fellow eyes. The presence of soft drusen, reticular pseudodrusen, and lower CVI values can be considered risk factors of neovascularization in unaffected fellow eyes of patients with type 3 neovascularization. The lower CVI values suggest that choroidal ischemic change may affect the development of choroidal neovascularization in these patients.

Incidence and Natural History of Retinochoroidal Neovascularization in Enhanced S-Cone Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

We examined the incidence and natural history of macular retinochoroidal neovascularization (RCN) in enhanced S-cone syndrome (ESCS).

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

This single-center study included 14 of 93 patients with ESCS who had signs of active or inactive RCN in ≥1 eye. We conducted multimodal retinal imaging, full-field electroretinography, and molecular genetic analysis of NR2E3 gene. Our main outcome measures included the cumulative incidence of RCN in ESCS, type of RCN, and mode of evolution of RCN.

RESULTS

Fourteen (15.1%) of 93 patients with ESCS had RCN in ≥1 eye at 2 to 27 years of age. All 22 RCNs (21 eyes of 14 patients) were macular. Twelve of the RCNs were active with exudates/hemorrhages. Of these, 5 appeared de novo in a subretinal location, with photographic evidence of no pre-existing lesions. The latter were compatible with type 3 neovascularization or retinal angiomatous proliferation and subsequently evolved into unifocal fibrotic nodules. The remaining active lesions all had some degree of pre-existing fibrosis and remained stable. Ten inactive fibrotic nodules, identical to end-stage de novo lesions, were found and were presumed to represent healed RCNs.

CONCLUSIONS

RCN, a treatable condition, may occur as early as 2 years of age and may be much more common in patients with ESCS than previously estimated. It may be the primary cause of the unifocal submacular fibrosis that is commonly observed in this condition. Additional research is needed to establish the pathogenesis of RCN in patients with ESCS and its optimal management.

THE INCIDENCE OF NEOVASCULARIZATION IN CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY BY OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY

PURPOSE

To evaluate the incidence of neovascularization (NV) secondary to central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC)-a condition belonging to the spectrum of pachychoroid disorders by means of optical coherence tomography angiography.

METHODS

One hundred and seventy five eyes with CSC were evaluated in this retrospective observational study. The eyes with acute or chronic CSC with no NV were included in Group 1, and those with NV were evaluated in Group 2. Only eyes that had undergone structural optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography were included. Age, best-corrected visual acuity, and subfoveal choroidal thickness were evaluated in all eyes. In Group 2, the type and morphology of NV and the occurrence of exudation were considered.

RESULTS

Of a total of 175 eyes with CSC, 86 had the acute form and 89 the chronic. Approximately 140 belonged to Group 1 (80%) and 35 to Group 2 (20%). Approximately 39.2% of all patient with chronic CSC developed NV. Mean age in Groups 1 and 2 was 53.3 years (±10.9) and 66.6 years (±10.2), respectively. Mean best-corrected visual acuity in Groups 1 and 2 was 45.7 (±11.7) and 30.9 (±17.9) early treatment diabetic retinopathy study letters, respectively. Mean CCT in Group 1 and 2 was 417.5 µm (±123) and 344.2 µm (±165.9), respectively. In Group 2, all patients had Type 1 NV (100%); 29 eyes (83%) had filamentous feature, and 6 eyes (17%) had irregular shape. Silent nonexudative NV was observed in 7 eyes (20%), all belonging to Group 2.

CONCLUSION

The use of optical coherence tomography angiography in everyday clinical practice allows for the accurate analysis of the chorioretinal vascular setting, with the identification of new vessels that could remain misdiagnosed.

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

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

Visual cycle modulators versus placebo or observation for the prevention and treatment of geographic atrophy due to age-related macular degeneration

BACKGROUND

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a highly prevalent condition in an ever-increasing elderly population. Although insidious in the early stages, advanced AMD (neovascular and atrophic forms) can cause significant visual disability and economic burden on health systems worldwide. The most common form, geographic atrophy, has no effective treatment to date, whereas neovascular AMD can be treated with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections. Geographic atrophy has a slow disease progression and patients tend to have preserved central vision until the final stages. This tendency, coupled with the use of modern imaging modalities, provides a large window of opportunity to intervene with validated methods to assess treatment efficacy. As geographic atrophy is an increasingly common condition with no effective intervention, many treatments are under investigation, one of which is visual cycle modulators. These medications have been shown to reduce lipofuscin accumulation in pre-clinical studies that have led to several clinical trials, reviewed herein.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of visual cycle modulators for the prevention and treatment of geographic atrophy secondary to AMD.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register) (2020, Issue 1); MEDLINE Ovid; Embase Ovid; Web of Science Core Collection; Scopus; Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) website; ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO ICTRP to 11 January 2020 with no language restrictions. We also searched using the reference lists of reviews and existing studies and the Cited Reference Search function in Web of Science to identify further relevant studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomised clinical studies (if available) that compared visual cycle modulators to placebo or no treatment (observation) in people diagnosed with AMD (early, intermediate or geographic atrophy).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed risk of bias in the included studies and extracted data. Both authors entered data into RevMan 5. We resolved discrepancies through discussion. We graded the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included three RCTs from the USA; one of these had clinical sites in Germany. Two studies compared emixustat to placebo while the other compared fenretinide to placebo. All assigned one study eye per participant and, combined, have a total of 821 participants with a majority white ethnicity (97.6%). All participants were diagnosed with geographic atrophy due to AMD based on validated imaging modalities. All three studies have high risk of attrition bias mainly due to ocular adverse effects of emixustat and fenretinide. We considered only one study to be adequately conducted and reported with high risk of bias in only one domain (attrition bias). We considered the other two studies to be poorly reported and to have high risk of attrition bias and reporting bias. People with geographic atrophy treated with emixustat may not experience a clinically important change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) between baseline and 24 months compared to people treated with placebo (mean difference (MD) 1.9 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters, 95% confidence interval (CI) -2.34 to 6.14, low-certainty evidence). Emixustat may also result in little or no difference in loss of 15 ETDRS letters or more of BCVA compared with placebo at 24 months (16.4% versus 18%) (risk ratio (RR) 0.91, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.4, low-certainty evidence). In terms of disease progression, emixustat may result in little or no difference in the annual growth rate of geographic atrophy compared with placebo (mean difference MD 0.09 mm2/year (95% CI -0.26 to 0.44, low-certainty evidence). All three studies reported adverse events of both drugs (emixustat: moderate-certainty evidence; fenretinide: low-certainty evidence). The main adverse events were ocular in nature and associated with the mechanism of action of the drugs. Delayed dark adaptation (emixustat: 54.5%; fenretinide: 39.3%) and chromatopsia (emixustat: 22.6%; fenretinide: 25.2%) were the most common adverse events reported, and were the most prevalent reasons for study dropout in emixustat trials. These effects were dose-dependent and resolved after drug cessation. No specific systemic adverse events were considered related to emixustat; only pruritus and rash were considered to be due to fenretinide. One emixustat study reported six deaths, none deemed related to the drug. None of the included RCTs reported the other pre-specified outcomes, including proportion of participants losing 10 letters or more, and mean change in macular sensitivity. We planned to investigate progression to advanced AMD (geographic atrophy or neovascular AMD) in prevention studies, including participants with early or intermediate AMD, but we identified no such studies. Two of the included studies reported an additional outcome - incidence of choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) - that was not in our published protocol. CNV onset may be reduced in those treated with emixustat but the evidence was uncertain (risk ratio (RR) 0.67, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.65, low-certainty evidence), or fenretinide (RR 0.5, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.98, low-certainty evidence) compared to placebo. A dose-dependent relationship was observed with emixustat.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is limited evidence to support the use of visual cycle modulators (emixustat and fenretinide) for the treatment of established geographic atrophy due to AMD. The possible reduction in the incidence of CNV observed with fenretinide, and to a lesser extent, emixustat, requires formal assessment in focused studies.

Non-exudative macular neovascularization in pseudoxanthoma elasticum

PURPOSE

To characterize morphological changes in the retina and to report the frequency and natural history of non-exudative macular neovascularization (MNV) in a cohort of pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE).

METHODS

A single-center, retrospective study was complemented by a cross-sectional examination. Consecutive patients with a definitive genetic and/or clinical diagnosis of PXE, visiting our department between January 2019 and December 2019, and with a minimum follow-up of 6 months were recruited. Baseline data were retrieved from each patient file. Additionally, a cross-sectional examination comprising color fundus photography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), OCT-Angiography (OCT-A), and fundus autofluorescence was performed. The presence of typical PXE-related findings, as well as related complications, was multimodally evaluated. The prevalence and natural history of non-exudative MNV were assessed. All images were graded by two independent graders.

RESULTS

Forty-eight eyes from 24 patients (mean age 59.11 ± 18.14) with a median follow-up of 53.00 months were included. Angioid streaks and peau d'orange were observed in 46/48 and 42/48 eyes, while MNV was present in 75.00% of the cohort. The prevalence of non-exudative MNV was 33.33% (6/18). In the 2 eyes that developed exudation, time to conversion was 9.50 ± 4.95 months. No significant difference in visual acuity was found between eyes with non-exudative MNV and those with no signs of MNV.

CONCLUSION

We have shown that non-exudative MNV is a frequent finding in PXE but the majority of eyes did not develop exudation during follow-up. Our results are a clear evidence of the utility of OCT-A in the management of PXE.

Impact of Drusen Burden on Incidence of Subclinical CNV With OCTA

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of drusen burden on the detection of subclinical choroidal neovascularization (CNV) on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in nonexudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A subanalysis of the AVATAR study, subjects diagnosed with nonexudative AMD without subfoveal atrophy were included. Subclinical CNV was assessed using OCTA software, and drusen burden was graded utilizing the advanced retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) analysis.

RESULTS

Among eligible 58 eyes, 26 eyes (45%) had high drusen burden. Of the three eyes (5%) that demonstrated subclinical CNV, only one eye had high drusen burden, and all three eyes had neovascular AMD in the fellow eye. Extrafoveal RPE atrophy (odds ratio [OR] = 20.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53-261) and older age (OR = 1.27; 95% CI, 1.01-1.59) were predictive factors for subclinical CNV.

CONCLUSION

Extrafoveal RPE atrophy, older age, and fellow-eye CNV were significant risk factors for underlying subclinical CNV in nonexudative AMD. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2020;51:22-30.].

Neovascularization in Fellow Eye of Unilateral Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration According to Different Drusen Types

PURPOSE

To investigate the incidence of fellow eye (FE) neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in patients with unilateral nAMD according to FE drusen type.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Between January 2013 and June 2016, 434 consecutive patients with naïve nAMD were enrolled. We selected 280 eligible patients with treatment-naïve, unilateral nAMD for analysis (280/280 = 100% patients were followed up at 2 years; 50/280 = 17.9% patients were followed up at 5 years). The incidence and hazard ratios (HR) of FE nAMD according to age, sex, choroidal thickness, nAMD subtype, and drusen type were analyzed.

RESULTS

The 5-year incidence of FE nAMD was 20.9%. The incidences of the soft plus subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD), soft drusen only, and SDD only groups were 76.4%, 46.2%, and 25.7%, respectively; they were significantly higher than the no drusen group (vs 3.6%; P < .001, P < .001, P < .001). There was no significant difference between the pachydrusen and no drusen groups (7.1% vs 3.6%; P = .101). The multivariate Cox regression hazard model revealed older age (HR, 1.053; P = .031) and drusen type were significant (P = .001). Compared with the no drusen group, the soft drusen plus SDD, soft drusen only, and SDD groups showed an HR of 18.460 (P = .001), 8.302 (P = .015), and 5.465 (P = .082), respectively. Pachydrusen was not shown to be a significant risk factor compared to the no drusen group (HR, 2.417; P = .281).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of FE nAMD was significantly different with respect to drusen type. Soft drusen plus SDD had the highest risk of neovascular AMD, followed by soft drusen only and SDD only.

Low incidence of choroidal neovascularization following subthreshold diode micropulse laser (SDM) in high-risk AMD

Purpose

To determine the incidence of new choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in eyes with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) following subthreshold diode micropulse laser (SDM).

Method

In an observational retrospective cohort study, the records of all patients active in the electronic medical records database were reviewed to identify eyes with dry AMD treated with SDM. Identified eyes were classified by simplified AREDS categories, and analyzed for the primary endpoint of new CNV after treatment.

Results

The EMR revealed SDM was offered to 373/392 (95%) patients with dry AMD and elected by 363/373 (97%) between 2008–2017. Follow up was available for 354/363 patients (547 eyes, 98%) (range 6–108 mos., avg. 22). CNV risk factors included age (median 84 years, 67% > 80); reticular pseudodrusen (214 eyes, 39%); AREDS category (78% category 3 and 4); and fellow eye CNV (128 eyes, 23%). New CNV developed in 9/547 eyes (1.6%, annualized rate 0.87%). Visual acuity was unchanged. There were no adverse treatment effects.

Summary

In a review of a large group of eyes with exceptionally high-risk AMD, SDM was followed by a very low incidence of new CNV. If confirmed by further study, SDM would offer a new and highly effective treatment to reduce the risk of vision loss from AMD.

Incidence of Fellow Eye Involvement in Patients With Unilateral Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Importance

Since the advent of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), nonexudative neovascularization has been described in the fellow eyes of unilateral exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, there is limited literature describing the natural course and optimal management of these lesions.

Objective

To determine the incidence of fellow eye involvement in patients presenting with unilateral typical AMD or polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and to evaluate the patterns of OCT-A changes within 6 months before the onset of exudative changes, especially focusing on nonexudative neovascularization.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Data for this study were taken from a prospective, observational cohort study involving Asian patients with exudative AMD in the Asian AMD Phenotyping Study between October 2015 and March 2016. Analyses began in June 2017. Only patients who had gradable OCT-A and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) scans of the fellow eye at baseline and follow-up at least 6 months apart were included for the analysis. The contralateral eye was evaluated for presence of nonexudative neovascularization based on multimodal imaging, which included ICGA, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and OCT-A.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The difference between the incidence of those with nonexudative choroidal neovascularization and those without as analyzed using log-rank test and qualitative analysis of OCT-A images.

Results

We included 95 fellow eyes of 95 patients who presented with unilateral exudative AMD with a mean (SD) age of 68.6 (8.6) years. Nonexudative neovascularization was present in 18 eyes (19%) (8 [22.9%] and 10 [19.0%] fellow eyes with typical AMD and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, respectively; 8 [44.4%] on OCT-A; 5 [27.8%] on ICGA; and 5 [27.8%] on both OCT-A and ICGA). Development of exudative changes was noted in 6 fellow eyes (6.3%). Four eyes developed exudation from previously noted nonexudative neovascularization, and 2 eyes arose exudative changes from de novo. The probability of developing exudation within 6 months was significantly higher in eyes with baseline nonexudative neovascularization (0.087; 95% CI, 0.0033-0.210) compared with eyes without (0.010; 95% CI, 0.0026-0.041) (P = .008). In all eyes whose OCT-A images were available immediately before the onset of exudative changes, there was an increase in the size of network vessels compared with baseline.

Conclusions and Relevance

The presence of nonexudative neovascularization may predispose to the development of exudative changes.

Management of Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization: Focus on Anti-VEGF Therapy

Myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) is the second most common form of CNV after age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is a sight-threatening complication of pathologic myopia (PM) and often affects patients in their working years causing significant impact on quality of life. Previous therapies such as photodynamic therapy with verteporfin have shown limited success. Due to the similarities in pathogenesis of mCNV and AMD CNV, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy (anti-VEGF), which has so far been the mainstay of treatment for AMD CNV, has been shown to be effective in the treatment of mCNV and has become the first-line treatment of choice. This article aims to examine briefly the epidemiology and pathophysiology of mCNV, as well as review the evidence for efficacy, safety, and clinical use of anti-VEGF treatment for mCNV.

Rupture post traumatique de la membrane de Bruch: à propos d’un cas

Une contusion du globe peut se compliquer de rupture de la membrane de Bruch ou de la choroïde. Cette complication est observée dans 5 à 10% des cas avec une nette prédominance masculine. Nous rapportons l'observation clinique d'un patient de 26 ans, victime d'un traumatisme contusif sévère de l'œil gauche chez qui l'examen retrouve une rupture de la membrane de bruch au fond d'œil ; l'evolution spontanné a été marquée par une amélioration visuelle sans complications néovasculaires. Au cours des ruptures post traumatiques de la membrane de bruch le pronostic est essentiellement lié d'une part à sa localisation par rapport à la macula; et d'autre part à la survenue de complications néovasculaires (15 à 30 % des cas).

Epidemiology and disease burden of pathologic myopia and myopic choroidal neovascularization: an evidence-based systematic review

PURPOSE

To summarize the epidemiology of pathologic myopia and myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and their impact on vision.

DESIGN

Systematic literature review of all English-language studies evaluating the epidemiology and visual burden of pathologic myopia or myopic CNV.

METHODS

PubMed and EMBASE were searched with no time limits using predefined search strings for English-language studies evaluating the epidemiology and visual burden of pathologic myopia and myopic CNV.

RESULTS

In total, 39 relevant publications were identified. Population-based studies reported pathologic myopia to be the first to third most frequent cause of blindness. The prevalence of pathologic myopia was reported to be 0.9%-3.1%, and the prevalence of visual impairment attributable to pathologic myopia ranged from 0.1%-0.5% (European studies) and from 0.2%-1.4% (Asian studies). The prevalence of CNV in individuals with pathologic myopia was reported to be 5.2%-11.3%, and was bilateral in approximately 15% of patients. All studies of visual outcome in patients with myopic CNV (duration ranging from less than 3 months to 21.5 years) reported deterioration in best-corrected visual acuity over time. Older age, subfoveal CNV location, and larger baseline lesion size were predictors of worse visual outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Pathologic myopia is an important cause of vision loss worldwide, affecting up to 3% of the population. Of these, a substantial proportion of patients develop myopic CNV, which mostly causes a significant progressive decrease in visual acuity. This condition should therefore be a target for new treatment strategies.

Incidence of choroidal neovascularization in the fellow eye in the comparison of age-related macular degeneration treatments trials

OBJECTIVE

To assess the influence of drug; dosing regimen; and traditional, nontraditional, and genetic risk factors on the incidence of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in the fellow eye of patients treated for CNV with ranibizumab or bevacizumab.

DESIGN

Cohort study of patients enrolled in a multicenter, randomized clinical trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with no CNV in the fellow eye at the time of enrollment in the Comparison of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials (CATT).

METHODS

Eligibility criteria for the clinical trial required that study eyes have evidence on fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography of CNV secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and visual acuity between 20/25 and 20/320. Treatment for the study eye was assigned randomly to either ranibizumab or bevacizumab and to 3 different regimens for dosing over a 2-year period. The genotypes for 4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with risk of AMD were determined. Only patients without CNV in the fellow eye at baseline were considered at risk. The CATT ophthalmologists examined patients every 4 weeks through 2 years and recorded treatment for CNV in the fellow eye.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Development of CNV in the fellow eye.

RESULTS

Among 1185 CATT participants, 727 (61%) had no CNV in the fellow eye at enrollment. At 2 years, CNV had developed in 75 (20.6%) of 365 patients treated with ranibizumab and in 60 (16.6%) of 362 patients treated with bevacizumab (absolute difference, 4.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.7% to 9.6%; P = 0.17). The risk ratio for pro re nata dosing relative to monthly dosing was 1.1 (95% CI, 0.8-1.6). Greater elevation of the retinal pigment epithelium and fluid in the foveal center of the study eye were associated with increased incidence of CNV in the fellow eye. Incidence was not associated with genotype on rs1061170 (CFH), rs10490924 (ARMS2), rs11200638 (HTRA1), and rs2230199 (C3; P>0.35).

CONCLUSIONS

Through 2 years, there was no statistically significant difference between ranibizumab and bevacizumab in incidence of CNV in the fellow eye. Genotype on 4 SNPs previously found to be associated with AMD did not affect the risk of CNV in the fellow eye among CATT patients.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

[Vitreomacular adhesion in HD-OCT images in the age-related macular degeneration]

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate an incidence of the vitreomacular adhesion in patients with age-related macular degeneration.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We examined 472 eyes in 241 patients (136 W/ 105 M) in age of 54-92 years (mean 62.6 years +/- 8.5) with dry or wet age-related macular degeneration using Cirrus HD-OCT (Zeiss) macular cube 512x128 program or 5-line pro-gram.

RESULTS

Vitreomacular adhesion was observed in 139 eyes with dry age-related macular degeneration (29.4%, p=0.000*), in 101 eyes with drusen (21.4%, p=0.000*), in 38 eyes with retinal pigment epithelium alterations (8%, p=0.202), in 278 eyes with wet age-related macular degeneration (58.9%, p=0.001*), in 21 eyes with pigment epithelial detachment (4.4%, p=0.303), in 161 eyes with choroidal neovascularzation (34. 1%, p=0.031*/ and in 96 eyes with scar (20.4%, p=0.040*).

CONCLUSIONS

Probably, vitreomacular adhesion alone is not able to induce age-related macular degeneration, but it may be associated with choroidal neovascularization development, it can contribute to exudate formation and choroidal neovascularization, it may induces or sustains a chronic low-grade inflammation in the macula region.

New treatments for age-related macular degeneration

As the estimated life expectancy of the U.S. population increases, so will the incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Exudative (or "wet") AMD, which is characterized by choroidal neovascularization, carries a high risk of extreme central vision loss and can severely compromise an individual's independence and quality of life. The increasing burden of AMD has created an acute need for more effective treatments. During the last several years, treatment of exudative AMD with intravitreal injection of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) has dramatically reduced the severe visual loss usually associated with this disorder. This article summarizes the clinical presentation of AMD and reviews the treatments that are currently available.

Complement factor H Y402H polymorphism and characteristics of exudative age-related macular degeneration lesions

PURPOSE

The Y402H polymorphism of the complement factor H (CFH) gene is associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in many populations. The reported genotype-phenotype correlations in the CFH Y402H polymorphism have not been pronounced and no studies on the effect of the polymorphism on the subgroups within wet AMD have been performed. In this study, we wanted to evaluate whether the CFH Y402H polymorphism has an effect on clinical variables in recent exudative AMD lesions.

METHODS

The study included 172 patients with exudative AMD. The size of AMD lesions and the presence and area of other AMD lesion variables were recorded in fluorescein angiography (FA) and analysed in relation to the Y402H genotypes.

RESULTS

The median lesion size (classic + occult choroidal neovascularization [CNV] + serous pigment epithelium detachment [PED] + haemorrhage, if present) was 8.15 mm(2) in patients homozygous for the CFH risk allele (CC), 7.50 mm(2) in heterozygous patients (CT), and 7.05 mm(2) in those with the normal genotype (TT) (p = 0.599). Areas of classic and occult CNV, combined, without serous PED or haemorrhage were 6.37 mm(2), 5.00 mm(2) and 5.18 mm(2), respectively (p = 0.407). There was a trend for CC patients to have more frequently minimally classic and less frequently predominantly classic lesion composition than CT or TT subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

We detected no clear impact of the CFH Y402H polymorphism on recent exudative AMD lesion characteristics. Although the complement cascade is implicated in CNV formation and scarring processes in the retina, the Y402H polymorphism appears relatively neutral in these functions.

Dietary Antioxidants and the Long-term Incidence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

PURPOSE

To assess the relationship between baseline dietary and supplement intakes of antioxidants and the long-term risk of incident age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

DESIGN

Australian population-based cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Of 3654 baseline (1992-1994) participants initially 49 years of older, 2454 were reexamined after 5 years, 10 years, or both.

METHODS

Stereoscopic retinal photographs were graded using the Wisconsin Grading System. Data on potential risk factors were collected. Energy-adjusted intakes of alpha-carotene; beta-carotene; beta-cryptoxanthin; lutein and zeaxanthin; lycopene; vitamins A, C, and E; and iron and zinc were the study factors. Discrete logistic models assessed AMD risk. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated after adjusting for age, gender, smoking, and other risk factors.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Incident early, late, and any AMD.

RESULTS

For dietary lutein and zeaxanthin, participants in the top tertile of intake had a reduced risk of incident neovascular AMD (RR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.13-0.92), and those with above median intakes had a reduced risk of indistinct soft or reticular drusen (RR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.48-0.92). For total zinc intake the RR comparing the top decile intake with the remaining population was 0.56 (95% CI, 0.32-0.97) for any AMD and 0.54 (95% CI, 0.30-0.97) for early AMD. The highest compared with the lowest tertile of total beta-carotene intake predicted incident neovascular AMD (RR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.03-6.96; P = 0.029, for trend). Similarly, beta-carotene intake from diet alone predicted neovascular AMD (RR comparing tertile 3 with tertile 1, 2.40; 95% CI, 0.98-5.91; P = 0.027, for trend). This association was evident in both ever and never smokers. Higher intakes of total vitamin E predicted late AMD (RR compared with the lowest tertile, 2.83; 95% CI, 1.28-6.23; and RR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.14-5.70 for the middle and highest tertiles, respectively; P = 0.22, for trend).

CONCLUSIONS

In this population-based cohort study, higher dietary lutein and zeaxanthin intake reduced the risk of long-term incident AMD. This study confirmed the Age-Related Eye Disease Study finding of protective influences from zinc against AMD. Higher beta-carotene intake was associated with an increased risk of AMD.

The relationship of dietary carotenoid and vitamin A, E, and C intake with age-related macular degeneration in a case-control study: AREDS Report No. 22

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relationship of dietary carotenoids, vitamin A, alpha-tocopherol, and vitamin C with prevalent age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS).

METHODS

Demographic, lifestyle, and medical characteristics were ascertained on 4519 AREDS participants aged 60 to 80 years at enrollment. Stereoscopic color fundus photographs were used to categorize participants into 4 AMD severity groups and a control group (participants with < 15 small drusen). Nutrient intake was estimated from a self-administered semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire at enrollment. Intake values were energy adjusted and classified by quintiles. The relationship between diet and AMD status was assessed using logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Dietary lutein/zeaxanthin intake was inversely associated with neovascular AMD (odds ratio [OR], 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45-0.93), geographic atrophy (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.24-0.86), and large or extensive intermediate drusen (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.56-0.96), comparing the highest vs lowest quintiles of intake, after adjustment for total energy intake and nonnutrient-based covariates. Other nutrients were not independently related to AMD.

CONCLUSION

Higher dietary intake of lutein/zeaxanthin was independently associated with decreased likelihood of having neovascular AMD, geographic atrophy, and large or extensive intermediate drusen.

Photodynamic Therapy for Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Japanese Patients: Results After One Year

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin 1 year after treatment in Japanese patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and subfoveal choroidal neovascularization.

METHODS

Between May 2004 and March 2005, PDT was performed on 102 eyes of 98 patients (60 men and 38 women) with AMD and subfoveal choroidal neovascularization. Patients were followed for at least 12 months after PDT.

RESULTS

The mean visual acuities in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) units were 0.978 at baseline, 0.919 at 3 months, 0.895 at 6 months, 0.892 at 9 months, and 0.874 at 12 months. After PDT, the logMAR visual acuity improved by >0.3 logMAR units or more in 28 eyes (27%) and deteriorated by >0.3 logMAR units or more in 13 eyes (13%). Stable or improved vision was achieved in 93% of patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

CONCLUSIONS

The visual outcome in our patients was similar to that of an earlier major Japanese study, and similar to or better than outcomes in Western studies. Differences between Caucasians and Japanese might influence the characteristics of PCV. It is possible that PDT is more effective for AMD patients with PCV than for other AMD patients. Further observations and longer follow-up are necessary.

Neovascularization Associated with Large Retinal Pigment Epithelial Detachment in Elderly Korean Patients: Subdivision According to Indocyanine Green Angiographic Features

PURPOSE

In Korean patients, to subdivide the neovascular forms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) associated with large retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED), according to the indocyanine green angiographic features.

METHODS

Indocyanine green angiograms (ICGA) of 67 elderly patients (72 eyes) who presented with a PED of at least 1 disc diameter were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and typical choroidal neovascularization (CNV)-associated PEDs were identified in 18 eyes (25%) and 19 eyes (26%), respectively. In ten eyes (13.9%), the exact type of neovascularization, whether PCV or CNV, could not be determined. Pure serous PEDs were identified in seven eyes (10%). The remaining 18 eyes (25%) were classified as having retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP)-associated PED based upon the angiographic findings of vascular connections between the retinal vasculature and the neovascular complex.

CONCLUSIONS

Three subset groups of PCV, CNV, and RAP were present with similar frequency in neovascularized AMD with a large PED in these Korean patients. In particular, RAP, previously thought to be rare in Asian patients, was found to be present with considerable frequency.

[Frequency of recurrence after Verteporfin photodynamic therapy in AMD]

INTRODUCTION

Photodynamic treatment (PDT) with verteporfin is used to treat choroidal subfoveal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, the impact of recurrence after PDT on functional results has not been assessed, although it was previously shown to be higher than 50% after thermal laser treatment for juxtafoveal lesions, and visual prognosis was dramatically worsened by recurrence of choroidal neovascularization.

METHOD

Sixty-nine consecutive patients treated with PDT for CNV in AMD were followed every 3 months for up to 3 years.

RESULTS

The observed recurrence rate was 17.4%. Recurrence was not associated with a decrease in visual acuity The average number of treatments was 3.0, increasing to 4.9 in case of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

The recurrence rate is significantly lower after PDT than after thermal laser. It does not have a negative impact on functional outcome.

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in Korean patients with large submacular hemorrhage

PURPOSE

To determine and compare the clinical characteristics, visual prognosis and treatment of hemorrhagic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (HPCV) with those of hemorrhagic choroidal neovascularization (HCNV) due to age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 44 consecutive eyes with a submacular hemorrhage comprising more than 50% of the neovascular lesion. Patients were diagnosed as having HPCV or HCNV on the basis of indocyanine green angiography.

RESULTS

Of the 44 eyes with submacular hemorrhage, 26 were classified as HPCV and 18 as HCNV. The baseline patient characteristics were similar for both groups. At the final follow-up the HPCV group had 17 eyes showing visual improvement, four showing maintained vision, and five showing visual deterioration. In contrast, the HCNV group had four eyes showing visual improvement, one showing maintained vision, and 13 showing visual deterioration. Visual acuity of < 0.1 at follow-up was found in 7 (27%) of HPCV eyes and 10 (56%) of HCNV eyes. PDT was performed in 15 HPCV eyes, of which 13 (87%) showed improvement or no change in visual acuity, while only 2 (22%) of the 9 HCNV eyes responded similarly after PDT. Eyes treated with PDT did not have better outcomes compared to eyes that underwent other types of treatment (Fisher's exact test, p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

PCV accounts for the largest proportion of submacular hemorrhage in Koreans. PCV showed a better visual prognosis than CNV.

Cigarette Smoking, CFH, APOE, ELOVL4, and Risk of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

OBJECTIVE

To examine if the genes encoding complement factor H (CFH), apolipoprotein E (APOE), and elongation of very-long-chain fatty acids-like 4 (ELOVL4) confer risk of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in an independent or interactive manner when controlling for smoking exposure.

METHODS

We studied 103 unrelated patients with neovascular AMD who each had at least 1 sibling with normal maculae. Smoking histories were obtained. Genotyping was performed by analyzing amplified genomic fragments from CFH, APOE, and ELOVL4 by direct sequencing or by restriction endonuclease digests. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to build a multifactor model.

RESULTS

For CFH, only the CC genotype carried a statistically significant elevation of disease risk (odds ratio, 49.37; 95% confidence interval, 6.20-393.22; P<.001). No significant association was observed between neovascular AMD and APOE or ELOVL4. No significant interactions were found between smoking and having the CFH or APOE genotype nor were significant interactions found between the CFH, ELOVL4, and APOE genotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking and having the CFH CC genotype independently increase risk of neovascular AMD. APOE and ELOVL4 genotypes do not seem to modify risk.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Smoking 10 pack-years or more and having the CFH CC genotype increase one's risk of neovascular AMD 144-fold compared with smoking less than 10 pack-years and having the CT or TT genotype.

Complications of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Prevention Trial Research Group. Laser treatment in patients with bilateral large drusen: the complications of age-related macular degeneration prevention trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-intensity laser treatment in the prevention of visual acuity (VA) loss among participants with bilateral large drusen.

DESIGN

Multicenter randomized clinical trial. One eye of each participant was assigned to treatment, and the contralateral eye was assigned to observation.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1052 participants who had > or =10 large (>125 microm) drusen and VA> or =20/40 in each eye enrolled through 22 clinical centers.

INTERVENTION

The initial laser treatment protocol specified 60 barely visible burns applied in a grid pattern within an annulus between 1500 and 2500 mum from the foveal center. At 12 months, eyes assigned to treatment that had sufficient drusen remaining were retreated with 30 burns by targeting drusen within an annulus between 1000 and 2000 mum from the foveal center.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Proportion of eyes at 5 years with loss of > or =3 lines of VA from baseline. Secondary outcome measures included the development of choroidal neovascularization or geographic atrophy (GA), change in contrast threshold, change in critical print size, and incidence of ocular adverse events.

RESULTS

At 5 years, 188 (20.5%) treated eyes and 188 (20.5%) observed eyes had VA scores > or = 3 lines worse than at the initial visit (P = 1.00). Cumulative 5-year incidence rates for treated and observed eyes were 13.3% and 13.3% (P = 0.95) for choroidal neovascularization and 7.4% and 7.8% (P = 0.64) for GA, respectively. The contrast threshold doubled in 23.9% of treated eyes and in 20.5% of observed eyes (P = 0.40). The critical print size doubled in 29.6% of treated eyes and in 28.4% of observed eyes (P = 0.70). Seven treated eyes and 14 observed eyes had an adverse event of a > or =6-line loss in VA in the absence of late age-related macular degeneration or cataract.

CONCLUSION

As applied in the Complications of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Prevention Trial, low-intensity laser treatment did not demonstrate a clinically significant benefit for vision in eyes of people with bilateral large drusen.

Estimating the Yearly Number of Eyes with Treatable Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Using a Direct Standardization Method and a Markov Model

PURPOSE

To estimate the number of treatable eyes with neovascular subfoveal age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) in France.

METHODS

A literature search for studies documenting neovascular ARMD incidence rates and direct standardization according to age and gender were performed. Projection to the year 2025 was based on OECD (Organization for Economic and Co-operation Development) data. A cohort of patients aged 75 years was simulated by a seven-state Markov model. The mean treatment duration was fixed arbitrarily at 2 years. The probability of ARMD in the second eye was fixed at 30% at 5 years. Monthly mortality incidence was modeled from INSEE (Institut National de la Statistique et des Etudes Economiques) mortality tables. The time horizon of the model was 25 years. Sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Based on the Rotterdam Study, 30,192 citizens per year will develop ARMD in one eye. Among them, 17,585 will be neovascular and 13,805 neovascular subfoveal ARMD. Taking into account the second eye, mortality, and a 2-year treatment duration, the number of neovascular subfoveal treatable eyes yearly would be 37,019 by 2025. Treatment duration was the most sensitive parameter. The number of eyes would be 18,899, 53,204, 67,535, and 80,162, for treatment lasting 1, 3, 4, and 5 years, respectively. A 2% yearly increase is expected up to 2025, due to population aging and the 1950s baby boom.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the study model, the yearly number of subfoveal neovascular ARMD treatable eyes in France will be 37,019 by 2025. Average treatment duration was the most sensitive parameter.

Australian Angiogram Review Panel--monitoring the use of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin

BACKGROUND

Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to macular disease received an Australian government grant in 2002 to fund treatment for 3 years. Funding was restricted to subfoveal predominantly classic CNV where visual acuity was at least 6/60. Access to this funding was via review of angiograms by an expert panel, the Angiogram Review Panel (ARP), managed by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

METHODS

De-identified data from the ARP were obtained for the period June 2002 to April 2005 inclusive and the panel's outcomes were analysed. Health Insurance Commission and Department of Veteran Affairs data for photodynamic therapy for the same interval were also retrieved.

RESULTS

A total of 7198 submissions to the ARP were received for 5867 individuals in this period. Overall 86.6% eyes submitted were accepted for initial funding (treatments 2-4). There was no change over time in the percentage rejected during this period. The first reviewer accepted 77.2%. And the second reviewer accepted a further 7.7%. An additional 1.6% were accepted on appeal. It was estimated that 29.2% of this initial cohort received five or more treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

The ARP data indicate an incidence of subfoveal predominantly classic CNV secondary to macular disease in Australia of about 2000 eyes per annum. Only one quarter of patients received five or more treatments. The panel provided a unique opportunity to estimate the 'whole of nation' incidence of predominantly classic subfoveal CNV secondary to macular disease and thus provides a firm foundation upon which to plan public health spending as new treatments become available.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is an inherited disorder that is associated with accumulation of mineralized and fragmented elastic fibers in the skin, vessel walls, and Bruch's membrane. Clinically, patients exhibit characteristic lesions of the skin (soft, ivory-colored papules in a reticular pattern that predominantly affect the neck), the posterior segment of the eye (peau d'orange, angioid streaks, choroidal neovascularizations), and the cardiovascular system (peripheral arterial occlusive disease, coronary occlusion, gastrointestinal bleeding). There is no causal therapy. Recent studies suggest that PXE is inherited almost exclusively as an autosomal recessive trait. Its prevalence has been estimated to be 1:25,000-100,000. The ABCC6 gene on chromosome 16p13.1 is associated with the disease. Mutations within the ABCC6 gene cause reduced or absent transmembraneous transport that leads to accumulation of substrate and calcification of elastic fibers. Although based on clinical features the diagnosis appears readily possible, variability in phenotypic expressions and the low prevalence may be responsible that the disease is underdiagnosed. This review covers current knowledge of PXE and presents therapeutic approaches.

HIGH PREVALENCE OF MYOPIA IN JAPANESE PATIENTS WITH IDIOPATHIC FOCAL SUBRETINAL NEOVASCULARIZATION

PURPOSE

To determine whether myopia is more prevalent in Japanese patients with idiopathic focal subretinal neovascularization (IFSN) than in normal control subjects.

METHODS

Forty-seven eyes of 46 patients with an initial diagnosis of IFSN and 291 eyes of 291 controls were studied. Refractive errors were measured with an autorefractometer, and the spherical equivalent of the refractive error was used for the statistical analyses. All patients had undergone fluorescein angiography (FA) to confirm the presence of the choroidal neovascularization. In addition, indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) had been performed to determine whether chorioretinal atrophy and breaks of Bruch's membrane, which are consistent with myopic retinopathy, were present.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients in the control group was not significantly different from that of patients in the IFSN group. The mean spherical equivalent of the refractive errors was -2.62 +/- 2.70 diopters (D) in the control group and -5.24 +/- 3.41 D in the IFSN group (P = 0.00005). The incidence of high myopia was significantly higher in the IFSN group (41.3%) than in the control group (12.0%, P < 0.0001). FA and ICGA showed no chorioretinal atrophy and lacquer cracks, thus confirming that patients with myopic retinopathy were excluded from the IFSN group. During the mean follow-up period (44.7 months), myopic retinopathy did not develop in any of the eyes in the IFSN group.

CONCLUSION

Japanese patients with IFSN were highly myopic, suggesting that myopia may play a role in the development of choroidal neovascularization in IFSN patients.

Risk factors for the incidence of Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) AREDS report no. 19

PURPOSE

To describe the association of demographic, behavioral, medical, and nonretinal ocular factors with the incidence of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and central geographic atrophy (CGA) in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), a randomized trial of antioxidants and zinc supplementation prophylaxis for development of advanced AMD.

DESIGN

Clinic-based prospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Of individuals with early or intermediate AMD at baseline with a median follow-up of 6.3 years, 788 were at risk of developing advanced AMD in one eye (the fellow eye had advanced AMD), and 2506 were at risk in both eyes.

METHODS

The incidence of neovascular AMD and CGA was assessed from stereoscopic color fundus photographs taken at baseline and at annual visits beginning at year 2.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Neovascular AMD was defined as photocoagulation for choroidal neovascularization, or photographic documentation at the reading center of any of the following: nondrusenoid retinal pigment epithelial detachment, serous or hemorrhagic retinal detachment, hemorrhage under the retina or the retinal pigment epithelium, and subretinal fibrosis. Central geographic atrophy was defined as geographic atrophy involving the center of the macula.

RESULTS

In multivariable models, in persons at risk of advanced AMD in both eyes, while controlling for age, gender, and AREDS treatment group, the following variables were statistically significantly associated with the incidence of neovascular AMD: race (odds ratio [OR], white vs. black, 6.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-36.9) and larger amount smoked (OR, >10 vs. < or =10 pack-years [a pack-year is an average of 1 pack of cigarette smoked per day for a year], 1.55; 95% CI, 1.15-2.09). The following were statistically significantly associated with the incidence of CGA: less education (OR, high school graduate or less vs. college graduate, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.10-2.78), greater body mass index (BMI) (OR, obese vs. nonobese, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.25-2.65), larger amount smoked (OR, >10 pack-years vs. < or =10 pack-years, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.25-2.65), and antacid use (OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.09-0.91). In persons at risk of developing advanced AMD in one eye, the incidence of neovascular AMD was associated with diabetes (OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.07-3.31), and the incidence of CGA was associated with use of antiinflammatory medications (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.08-0.59).

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that, among persons with early or intermediate AMD, smoking and BMI are modifiable factors associated with progression to advanced AMD, and suggest other associations (e.g., use of antacids and antiinflammatory medications) that warrant further study. This article contains additional online-only material available at http://www.ophsource.org/periodicals/ophtha. .

[Choroidal neovascularization in children--prevalence, diagnostics and treatment]

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) belongs to the rare retinal disorders in children. Authors present 3 cases of CNV, which were diagnosed in patients between 12-15 years of age (2 females and 1 male). Complete ophthalmological examination including fluorescein angiography, indocyanine angiography and optical coherence tomography were performed in all cases. Laboratory tests to exclude the systemic diseases were also done. CNV in young people maybe a result of high myopia, angioid streaks, ocular histoplasmosis, trauma or it could be idiopathic. In our series, we found idiopathic CNV in 2 eyes and 1 CNV after traumatic choroidal break. Stabilization of visual acuity was achieved after argon laser treatment in 2 cases.

Incidence of patients presenting with exudative maculopathy and neovascular retinal disease in an urban population

PURPOSE

To determine the incidence of exudative macular and neovascular retinal disease presenting within a defined urban population.

STUDY DESIGN

prospective, observational, consecutive case series.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients referred to ten ophthalmic centers within a defined 10-week period with a newly diagnosed exudative macular and/or neovascular retinal disease were examined fundoscopically, angiographically and quantified according to age and underlying disease.

RESULTS

A total of 527 eyes of 426 patients were referred. The most frequent disease was neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD, 199/527, 37.8%, 184 patients), followed by diabetic maculopathy and/or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (199/527, 37.8%, 128 patients) and venous occlusive disease (67/527, 12.7%, 67 patients). The majority of neovascular AMD consisted of occult without classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV, 115/ 199, 57.8%); predominantly classic CNV was seen more often than minimally classic CNV (43/199, 21.6% vs. 27/ 199, 13.6%). The overwhelming majority of the diabetic cases had diabetic macular edema (179/199, 89.9%); only 10.1% had vasoproliferative disease. All other causes of CNV, macular edema/exudation, and retinal neovascularization were observed in < 5% of all patients.

CONCLUSION

The main causes of exudative maculopathy are CNV due to neovascular AMD and diabetic macular edema. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is the main cause of retinal neovascularization. The number of patients with neovascular AMD presents a future challenge for ophthalmologists.

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and exudative age-related macular degeneration in Greek population

PURPOSE

To study the prevalence, the clinical features, and the visual prognosis without treatment of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in a large series of Greek patients presenting with exudative maculopathy.

METHODS

The medical records, photographs,as well as fluorescein and indocyanine green(ICG) angiograms of a series of 268 consecutive elderly white Greek patients, who were originally diagnosed as having exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

In all, 22 of the 268 (8.2%) patients initially suspected of having AMD were ultimately diagnosed with PCV. In 15 of the 22(68.2%) patients with PCV, the polypoidal lesions were located in the peripapillary area. Large soft drusen were present in only two fellow eyes of the 10 (20%) patients with unilateral PCV compared with 120 fellow eyes of the 148 (81.1%) patients with unilateral AMD. At the last examination, 11 of the 22(50%) patients with PCV and 120 of the 246(48.8%) patients with AMD presented a visual acuity of less than 6/60 in at least one eye due to scar formation in the macula.

CONCLUSIONS

PCV is not an infrequent disease in Greece. A measurable number of Greek patients with findings suggestive of exudative AMD will instead have PCV. ICG angiography is important in differentiating between these two clinical entities. In Greeks, polypoidal lesions are predominantly peripapillary and are not usually associated with macular drusen in the fellow eye. PCV and exudative AMD do not differ significantly in terms of their natural course and visual prognosis in Greek patients.

Extremely Discordant Sib-Pair Study Design to Determine Risk Factorsfor Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

OBJECTIVE

To search for factors that contribute to the development of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

METHODS

In a matched-pair case-control study, we studied sib pairs in which the index sibling had neovascular AMD in at least 1 eye and the unaffected sibling had normal maculae (or at most only a few small drusen) and was past the age at which the index case was diagnosed. Factors studied included sex, iris color, education, alcohol consumption, body mass index, vitamin use, smoking history, hypercholesterolemia, aspirin use, hypertension, other cardiovascular disease, any autoimmune disease, and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Conditional logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of neovascular AMD.

RESULTS

On the basis of 73 sib pairs, multivariate regression analysis revealed a statistically significant 2% increase in risk of neovascular AMD with each pack-year of smoking (odds ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.04; P =.007). Suggestive but nonsignificant associations were also observed for mean lifetime alcohol consumption, adult lifetime body mass index, and hypertension in multivariate regression analyses.

CONCLUSION

Using extremely discordant sib pairs to study risk factors for AMD, a novel approach in epidemiological design, we found evidence that smoking is a risk factor for neovascular AMD.

[Frequency of neovascular lesion types in wet age-related macular degeneration]

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of legal blindness among the urbanized world. Neovascular type of the disease which is responsible for majority of severe vision loss in course of AMD has received few years ago a new treatment modality--photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin (Visudyne). Efficacy of PDT depends on angiographic feature of chorioneovascularization (CNV). There are three main types of CNV: predominantly classic, minimally classic and occult with no classic CNV. No population studies on prevalence of these types are available. We analyzed fluorescein angiography (FA) performed in Eye Clinic of Silesian School of Medicine in Katowice, Poland. FA were performed between January 2002 and March 2004. 2942 cases of CNV due to AMD was identified and their type was stated. Statistical assessment of CNV types frequency was executed. CNV location and size was defined as well. Visual acuity data from patients medical history was used for deeper analysis.

New treatments for age-related macular degeneration

The estimated increase in life expectancy of the U.S. population will result in a greater incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the next few decades. Exudative AMD, which is characterized by choroidal neovascularization, carries a high risk of severe central vision loss and can compromise an individual's independence and quality of life. The increasing burden of AMD has created an acute need for more effective treatments. Results from a recent large-scale study have shown that supplementation with antioxidants and zinc reduces the risk of progression of dry to exudative AMD. Standard thermal laser photocoagulation can reduce the risk of central vision loss in exudative AMD in a limited number of patients. The recent advent of photodynamic laser therapy has increased the number of patients with exudative AMD who can benefit from treatment. This paper summarizes the clinical presentation of AMD and reviews treatments that are currently available, as well as treatments in development.