Calcified nodules in retinal drusen are associated with disease progression in age-related macular degeneration

Drusen are lipid-, mineral-, and protein-containing extracellular deposits that accumulate between the basal lamina of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Bruch's membrane (BrM) of the human eye. They are a defining feature of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common sight-threatening disease of older adults. The appearance of heterogeneous internal reflectivity within drusen (HIRD) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) images has been suggested to indicate an increased risk of progression to advanced AMD. Here, in a cohort of patients with AMD and drusen, we show that HIRD indicated an increased risk of developing advanced AMD within 1 year. Using multimodal imaging in an independent cohort, we demonstrate that progression to AMD was associated with increasing degeneration of the RPE overlying HIRD. Morphological analysis of clinically imaged cadaveric human eye samples revealed that HIRD was formed by multilobular nodules. Nanoanalytical methods showed that nodules were composed of hydroxyapatite and that they differed from spherules and BrM plaques, other refractile features also found in the retinas of patients with AMD. These findings suggest that hydroxyapatite nodules may be indicators of progression to advanced AMD and that using multimodal clinical imaging to determine the composition of macular calcifications may help to direct therapeutic strategies and outcome measures in AMD.

Visual Function Decline Resulting from Geographic Atrophy: Results from the Chroma and Spectri Phase 3 Trials

PURPOSE

To assess visual function outcomes to 48 weeks in patients with bilateral geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration included in 2 interventional clinical trials: relationship to baseline lesion size, outcomes by baseline lesion characteristic subgroups, and correlation of visual function outcomes with GA area.

DESIGN

The Chroma and Spectri studies (ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers, NCT02247479 and NCT02247531, respectively) were identically designed phase 3, double-masked, multicenter, randomized, sham injection-controlled clinical trials that evaluated intravitreal lampalizumab in GA.

PARTICIPANTS

Eligible patients were 50 years of age or older with well-demarcated bilateral GA (lesion size, 1-7 disc areas) without evidence of or previous treatment for choroidal neovascularization in either eye and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) letter score of 49 letters or more (≥1 GA lesion within 250 μm of foveal center if BCVA ≥79 letters).

METHODS

Patients (pooled n = 1881) were randomized 2:1:2:1 to lampalizumab every 4 weeks, sham every 4 weeks, lampalizumab every 6 weeks, or sham every 6 weeks. Sham arms were pooled for analysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Functional end points included change in BCVA from baseline to week 48, low-luminance visual acuity, mesopic microperimetry (number of absolute scotomatous points, mean macular sensitivity), binocular and monocular maximum reading speed, and 2 validated patient-reported outcome measures: Functional Reading Independence Index and 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Enlargement of GA area, approximately 2 mm²/year on average across all treatment groups in each study, was accompanied by overall deterioration in all functional end points. No statistically significant differences were found between lampalizumab or sham arms for changes from baseline in functional assessment scores. Of visual function tests, only microperimetry outcomes were correlated moderately with GA lesion area when assessed cross-sectionally at baseline and week 48.

CONCLUSIONS

Chroma and Spectri provide a unique data set of functional end points in GA that are relevant for future clinical trials. Patients with bilateral GA experienced a consistent decline in visual function over 48 weeks, but measures of visual function were not correlated strongly with GA lesion area. It is not possible to predict visual function outcomes from GA lesion size.

Geographic Atrophy and Choroidal Neovascularization in the Same Eye: A Review

Geographic atrophy (GA) and choroidal neovascularization (CNV), the two late forms of age-related macular degeneration, are generally considered two distinct entities. However, GA and CNV can occur simultaneously in the same eye, with GA usually occurring first. The prevalence of this combined entity is higher in histological studies than in clinical studies. No distinct systemic or genetic risk characteristics are associated with the combined GA/CNV entity, although on clinical examination and retinal imaging it can feature drusen or subretinal drusenoid deposits. GA and CNV may exist within the spectrum of a single disease, or they may be two very different diseases. Therapy with antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) is often successful for CNV, but some evidence suggests increased rates of GA development in eyes treated with anti-VEGF. In this article, we review the current literature regarding the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment options for patients with the combined GA/CNV entity.

En Face Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging for the Detection of Nascent Geographic Atrophy

PURPOSE

To determine if en face optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging can identify nascent geographic atrophy (nGA) in eyes with intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD).

DESIGN

Retrospective observational case series.

METHODS

Patients with iAMD from the COMPLETE study at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute were evaluated to determine if nGA was present at baseline and at follow-up using high-density Spectralis OCT B-scans and en face OCT images from the Cirrus OCT instrument. If available, additional en face OCT images and B-scans were analyzed at follow-up times beyond the 52-week period.

RESULTS

A total of 37 eyes (27 patients) were evaluated for at least 1 year using both B-scans and en face images. Two drusen suspicious for nGA at baseline were identified, but neither druse developed GA after 24 and 62 months of follow-up, respectively. Another druse displayed hypertransmission into the choroid at week 52 on B-scan imaging and was classified as nGA. En face OCT imaging identified this druse as a focal bright area. Drusen breakdown occurred during a follow-up of 39 months.

CONCLUSIONS

En face OCT imaging appeared to be as useful as routine B-scan imaging for identifying areas suspicious for nGA in this population from the COMPLETE Study. Additional longitudinal follow-up of eyes with drusen is needed to determine if en face OCT imaging can replace the evaluation of individual B-scans for the detection of nGA.

CUTICULAR DRUSEN: Risk of Geographic Atrophy and Macular Neovascularization

PURPOSE

Cuticular drusen (CD) have been associated with manifestations of age-related macular degeneration such as atrophy and neovascularization in the macula. In this study, eyes with CD were followed and investigated for the estimated 5-year risk of progression to sequelae of age-related macular degeneration such as geographic atrophy (GA) and macular neovascularization (MNV).

METHODS

A consecutive series of patients with CD were followed for the development of GA and MNV. Whenever possible, they were also studied retrospectively. The patients with CD were categorized into three phenotypic groups. Phenotype 1: eyes had concentrated, densely populated CD in the macular and paramacular area, Phenotype 2: eyes showed scattered CD in the posterior fundus, and Phenotype 3: involved eyes with CD mixed with large drusen (>200 µm). The 5-year incidence of progression was then estimated using a Kaplan-Meier estimator.

RESULTS

A total of 63 eyes from 38 patients (35 women with a mean age at presentation of 58.9 ± 14.2 years) were studied and followed for a mean of 40 ± 18 months. Thirteen patients had single eyes with GA (84.5%; 11/13) or MNV (15.5%; 2/13) in one eye at presentation and were subsequently excluded. Geographic atrophy developed in 19.0% (12/63) of eyes and MNV in 4.8% (3/63) of eyes. The cumulative estimated 5-year risk of GA and MNV was 28.4% and 8.7%, respectively. The estimated 5-year incidence of MNV or GA was 12.6%, 50.0%, and 51.6% in Phenotype 1, Phenotype 2, and Phenotype 3, respectively (P = 0.0015, log-rank test). No difference in risk was found in the development of GA or MNV (P = 0.11) between the subgroup of patients presenting with GA or MNV in their fellow eye and those with both eyes included.

CONCLUSION

When patients with CD are followed longitudinally, there was a significant risk of progression to GA or MNV for Phenotype 2 and Phenotype 3. Patients with CD are commonly first diagnosed in the fifth decade of life, and there is a female predominance. Clinicians should use multimodal imaging to detect and be aware of the risk of progression to manifestations of GA and MNV. These risks of GA and MNV suggest that patients with CD may be part of the overall spectrum of age-related macular degeneration.

Initial clinical results of a new telescopic IOL implanted in patients with dry age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the iol-AMD technology (London Eye Hospital Pharma, London, UK), which includes two injectable, hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) in a pilot study of patients diagnosed as having cataract and dry age-related macular degeneration.

METHODS

The cataract surgery and IOL implantation were performed after a preoperative evaluation using the iolAMD simulator in eyes with bilateral intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration. Outcomes were intraoperative and postoperative complications, subjective and objective visual acuity improvement, visual field changes, and postoperative diplopia.

RESULTS

Three eyes of 2 patients were evaluated. The surgeries were uneventful. All eyes gained monocular reading vision at the 1-week postoperative visit. One patient with monocular implantation recognized diplopia for distance vision. Preoperative corrected distance visual acuity ranged from 20/800 to 20/125 and corrected near visual acuity was 20/800 or less. Two months after surgery, corrected distance and near visual acuities increased to levels between 20/40 and 20/25 (uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/60 to 20/32; uncorrected near visual acuity was 20/200 to 20/25).

CONCLUSIONS

These early results showed that the iolAMD simulator is a promising technology improving near and distance visual acuity in eyes with intermediate dry macular degeneration. The prismatic IOL effect did not lead to diplopia when implanted bilaterally. The surgery was safely performed.

The prevalence and clinical characteristics of Charles Bonnet Syndrome in Danish patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of the Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) in a group of Danish patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and to study whether CBS is associated with a specific retinal morphology.

METHODS

Three-hundred consecutive patients with neovascular AMD attending assessment consultations following variable series of ranibizumab therapy were actively asked whether they had symptoms of CBS. If they responded positively, a detailed questionnaire was orally administered to inquire into the details of the symptoms. Detailed optical coherence tomography and autofluorescence was performed. A comparison was made between retinal morphology of a randomly selected equal number of patients without CBS to patients with CBS.

RESULTS

Twenty-five (8.3%) patients of 300 had hallucinations attributable to CBS. The median lesion size - measured as total area with increased autofluorescence - in the CBS group (median 14.2 mm(2)) was not significantly different from the non-CBS group (median 16.2 mm(2)); however, the patients with CBS had significantly larger areas of geographic atrophy (median 2 mm(2)) compared to patients without CBS (median 0.3 mm(2)) (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

CBS is not uncommon in an unselected population with neovascular AMD, and symptoms of CBS may be associated with larger areas of geographic atrophy.

Progression Dynamics of Early versus Later Stage Atrophic Lesions in Nonneovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Using Quantitative OCT Biomarker Segmentation

PURPOSE

To investigate the progression of geographic atrophy secondary to nonneovascular age-related macular degeneration in early and later stage lesions using artificial intelligence-based precision tools.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of an observational cohort study.

SUBJECTS

Seventy-four eyes of 49 patients with ≥ 1 complete retinal pigment epithelial and outer retinal atrophy (cRORA) lesion secondary to age-related macular degeneration were included. Patients were divided between recently developed cRORA and lesions with advanced disease status.

METHODS

Patients were prospectively imaged by spectral-domain OCT volume scans. The study period encompassed 18 months with scheduled visits every 6 months. Growth rates of recent cRORA-converted lesions were compared with lesions in an advanced disease status using mixed effect models.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The progression of retinal pigment epithelial loss (RPEL) was considered the primary end point. Secondary end points consisted of external limiting membrane disruption and ellipsoid zone loss. These pathognomonic imaging biomarkers were quantified using validated deep-learning algorithms. Further, the ellipsoid zone/RPEL ratio was analyzed in both study cohorts.

RESULTS

Mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) square root progression of recently converted lesions was 79.68 (95% CI, -77.14 to 236.49), 68.22 (95% CI, -101.21 to 237.65), and 84.825 (95% CI, -124.82 to 294.47) mm/half year for RPEL, external limiting membrane loss, and ellipsoid zone loss respectively. Mean square root progression of advanced lesions was 131.74 (95% CI, -22.57 to 286.05), 129.96 (95% CI, -36.67 to 296.59), and 116.84 (95% CI, -90.56 to 324.3) mm/half year for RPEL, external limiting membrane loss, and ellipsoid zone loss, respectively. RPEL (P = 0.038) and external limiting membrane disruption (P = 0.026) progression showed significant differences between the 2 study cohorts. Further recent converters had significantly (P < 0.001) higher ellipsoid zone/RPEL ratios at all time points compared with patients in an advanced disease status (1.71 95% CI, 1.12-2.28 vs. 1.14; 95% CI, 0.56-1.71).

CONCLUSION

Early cRORA lesions have slower growth rates in comparison to atrophic lesions in advanced disease stages. Differences in growth dynamics may play a crucial role in understanding the pathophysiology of nonneovascular age-related macular degeneration and for the interpretation of clinical trials in geographic atrophy. Individual disease monitoring using artificial intelligence-based quantification paves the way toward optimized geographic atrophy management.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

The Fovea-Protective Impact of Double-Layer Sign in Eyes With Foveal-Sparing Geographic Atrophy and Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of double-layer sign (DLS) on geographic atrophy (GA) progression in eyes with foveal-sparing GA and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods

This is a retrospective, consecutive case series of eyes with foveal-sparing GA secondary to AMD with more than 6 months of follow-up. The size of the foveal-sparing area was measured on the fundus autofluorescence images at the first and last visits. Each eye was evaluated for the presence or absence of DLS inside the foveal-sparing area. We graded eyes based on the presence of DLS within the foveal-sparing area and compared the progression of GA between two groups (DLS (+) versus DLS (-)).

Results

We identified 25 eyes with foveal-sparing GA with at least 2 follow-up visits (average interval = 22.7 ± 11.8 months between visits). The mean foveal sparing area was 1.74 ± 0.87 mm2 (range = 0.42-4.14 mm2) at baseline and 1.26 ± 0.75 mm2 (range = 0.25-2.92 mm2) at the last visit. Seventeen eyes (65.3%) were graded as DLS (+) within the foveal-sparing area. Square root progression of GA toward the fovea was significantly faster in the DLS (-) eyes (0.149 ± 0.078 mm/year) compared to the DLS (+) group (0.088 ± 0.052 mm/year; P = 0.04).

Conclusions

The DLS (-) group showed significantly faster centripetal GA progression than the DLS (+) group. Our data suggest that the presence of DLS in the spared foveal area could be a protective factor against foveal progression of GA in eyes with AMD.

Histologic Cell Shape Descriptors for the Retinal Pigment Epithelium in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Comparison to Unaffected Eyes

Purpose

Phenotype alterations of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) are a main characteristic of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Individual RPE cell shape descriptors may help to delineate healthy from AMD-affected cells in early disease stages.

Methods

Twenty-two human RPE flatmounts (7 eyes with AMD [early, 3; geographic atrophy, 1; neovascular, 3); 15 unaffected eyes [8 aged ≤51 years; 7 aged >80 years)] were imaged at the fovea, perifovea, and near periphery (predefined sample locations) using a laser-scanning confocal fluorescence microscope. RPE cell boundaries were manually marked with computer assistance. For each cell, 11 shape descriptors were calculated and correlated with donor age, cell autofluorescence (AF) intensity, and retinal location. Statistical analysis was performed using an ensemble classifier based on logistic regression.

Results

In AMD, RPE was altered at all locations (most pronounced at the fovea), with area, solidity, and form factor being the most discriminatory descriptors. In the unaffected macula, aging had no significant effect on cell shape factors; however, with increasing distance to the fovea, area, solidity, and convexity increased while form factor decreased. Reduced AF in AMD was significantly associated with decreased roundness and solidity.

Conclusions

AMD results in an altered RPE with enlarged and deformed cells that could precede clinically visible lesions and thus serve as early biomarkers for AMD onset. Our data may also help guide the interpretation of RPE morphology in in vivo studies utilizing high-resolution single-cell imaging.

Translational Relevance

Our histologic RPE cell shape data have the ability to identify robust biomarkers for the early detection of AMD-affected cells, which also could serve as a basis for automated segmentation of RPE sheets.

FUNDUS AUTOFLUORESCENCE IN EXTENSIVE MACULAR ATROPHY WITH PSEUDODRUSEN AND DIFFUSE TRICKLING GEOGRAPHIC ATROPHY

PURPOSE

To establish whether extensive macular atrophy with pseudodrusen (EMAP) can be distinguished from the diffuse-trickling phenotype of geographic atrophy (DTGA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration on the basis of its features on blue-light autofluorescence.

METHODS

The authors reviewed our prospectively maintained database to enroll patients with a diagnosis of EMAP, DTGA, and non-DTGA with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Atrophic areas and growth rates were measured on blue-light autofluorescence images, using the Heidelberg Region Finder tool. Circularity and roundness were chosen as atrophy shape descriptors, extracted using ImageJ, and compared between disease groups.

RESULTS

A total of 28 EMAP, 27 DTGA, and 30 non-DTGA eyes were included in the analysis. The median follow-up time was around 3.5 years. Extensive macular atrophy with pseudodrusen was characterized by an irregular and elongated shape (low circularity and low roundness) and associated with a fast atrophy growth rate (3.6 mm 2 /year), compared with non-DTGA. However, these parameters were not significantly different between EMAP and DTGA.

CONCLUSION

Our study found that EMAP and DTGA cannot be effectively differentiated on fundus autofluorescence. In both diseases, the macular atrophic area has a major vertical axis, fringed borders, and fast progression.

Clinical Characteristics and Progression of Geographic Atrophy in a Japanese Population

PURPOSE

To elucidate the clinical characteristics and progression rate of geographic atrophy (GA) associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in a Japanese population.

DESIGN

Retrospective, multicenter, observational study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 173 eyes from 173 patients from 6 university hospitals in Japan were included. Of 173 study eyes, 101 eyes from 101 patients were included in the follow-up group. All patients were Japanese, aged ≥ 50 years and had definite GA associated with AMD in at least 1 eye.

METHODS

The GA area was measured semiautomatically using fundus autofluorescence (FAF) images. In the follow-up group followed for > 6 months with FAF images, the GA progression rate was calculated by 2 methods: mm2 per year and mm per year using the square-root transformation (SQRT) strategy. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were used to identify the baseline factors associated with the GA progression rate.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical characteristics of GA and the GA progression rate.

RESULTS

The mean age was 76.8 ± 8.8 years, and 109 (63.0%) were males. Sixty-two (35.8%) patients had bilateral GA. The mean GA area was 3.06 ± 4.00 mm2 (1.44 ± 1.00 mm [SQRT]). Thirty-eight eyes (22.0%) were classified as having pachychoroid GA. Drusen and reticular pseudodrusen were detected in 115 (66.5%) and 73 (42.2%) eyes, respectively. The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was 194.7 ± 105.5 μm. In the follow-up group (follow-up period: 46.2 ± 28.9 months), the mean GA progression rate was 1.01 ± 1.09 mm2 per year (0.23 ± 0.18 mm/year [SQRT]). In the multivariable analysis, the baseline GA area (SQRT; P = 0.002) and the presence of reticular pseudodrusen (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with a greater GA progression rate (SQRT).

CONCLUSIONS

Certain clinical characteristics of GA in Asian populations may differ from those in White populations. Asian patients with GA showed male dominance and relatively thicker choroid than White patients. There was a group with GA without drusen but with features of pachychoroid. The GA progression rate in this Asian population was relatively lower than that in White populations. Large GA and reticular pseudodrusen were associated with a greater GA progression rate.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Pseudodrusen in the Fellow Eye of Patients with Unilateral Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Meta-Analysis

Importance

The fellow eye of patients with unilateral neovascular age-related degeneration (nAMD) is at increased risk of developing late AMD. Several cohort studies have evaluated the prevalence of pseudodrusen and the association between pseudodrusen and late AMD in the fellow eye of patients with unilateral nAMD. However, these studies have limited sample sizes and their results are inconsistent.

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence rate of pseudodrusen, and the association between pseudodrusen and incidence of late AMD (nAMD and geographic atrophy (GA)) in the fellow eye of patients with unilateral nAMD.

Data Sources

The PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to July 2015, as well as other systematic reviews.

Study Selection

All cohort studies for pseudodrusen with late AMD in the fellow eye of patients with unilateral nAMD.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

The numbers of patients with and without pseudodrusen at baseline and the numbers of incident nAMD and GA during follow up among patients with and without pseudodrusen were independently extracted by 2 authors. The results were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² test.

Main Outcome Measures

Prevalence rate of pseudodrusen, risk ratios (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for associations between pseudodrusen and the incidence of nAMD and GA in the fellow eye.

Results

Five cohort studies (N = 677 patients) from 8 countries across 4 continents were included. The pooled prevalence rate of pseudodrusen in the fellow eye was 48.1% (95% Cl: 36.7–59.5%, I² = 87%). Pseudodrusen were associated with an increased risk of nAMD (RR = 1.54, 95% Cl: 1.10–2.16, I² = 42%), GA (RR = 4.70, 95% Cl: 1.22–18.1, I² = 64%), and late AMD (RR = 2.03, 95% Cl: 1.35–3.06, I² = 60%).

Conclusions

For patients with unilateral nAMD, pseudodrusen were present in about half of the fellow eyes. The presence of pseudodrusen was associated with a 1.5 times higher risk of developing nAMD, a 4.7 times higher risk of developing GA, and a 2 times higher risk of developing late AMD. Pseudodrusen should be considered in evaluating the risk of late AMD development; however, due to considerable heterogeneity across these studies, a larger study is needed to validate these findings.

Pegcetacoplan treatment for geographic atrophy due to age-related macular degeneration: a plain language summary of the FILLY study

WHAT IS THIS SUMMARY ABOUT?

This is a summary of a publication about the FILLY study, which was published in Ophthalmology in 2020. The FILLY study looked at an investigational medicine called pegcetacoplan as a possible treatment for geographic atrophy. Geographic atrophy, also known as GA, is the late stage of an eye disease called dry age-related macular degeneration, also known as dry AMD. In people with GA, lesions form on a part of the back of the eye called the retina. GA lesions are patches of thin retina. Growth of GA lesions ultimately causes blindness, which cannot be reversed. There is currently no approved treatment for GA. Pegcetacoplan, also called APL-2, could be a possible treatment for GA. Pegcetacoplan is an investigational medicine, which means it has not yet been approved. It is currently being studied in clinical studies to see how well it works.

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE FILLY STUDY?

The FILLY study included participants with GA and tested how well pegcetacoplan worked compared to a sham injection (an injection that looks like the study treatment but does not have any medicine in it). The study also looked at how safe it was in adults with GA.

WHAT WERE THE RESULTS?

The main questions the researchers wanted to answer were: Did pegcetacoplan slow the growth of the study participants' GA lesions? ○Yes. Overall, the researchers found that pegcetacoplan did slow the growth of the study participants' GA lesions. Did pegcetacoplan change the participants' vision? ○No. Overall, the researchers found that pegcetacoplan did not change the participants' vision. What medical problems happened after the participants received pegcetacoplan? ○The researchers kept track of any serious medical problems that happened during the study, also called serious adverse events. They also kept track of other medical problems that happened, or got worse, only at some point after the participants received the study treatment. These are called treatment emergent adverse events, also known as TEAEs. The serious adverse events and TEAEs that the participants had are described later in this summary.

WHAT DO THE RESULTS OF THE STUDY MEAN?

Overall, results from this study showed that participants who received pegcetacoplan had slower growth of GA lesions than participants who received the sham injection. After the participants had stopped receiving pegcetacaoplan, the effect of the treatment seemed to be reduced. Pegcetacoplan did not change how well the participants could see during their vision tests in this trial. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT number: NCT02503332.

ATYPICAL HEALING IN A CASE WITH RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM APERTURES

PURPOSE

To analyze the multimodal imaging features in a case showing resolution of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) apertures in association with an avascular pigment epithelium detachment secondary to nonneovascular age-related macular degeneration.

METHODS

Report of a case diagnosed with aperture of the RPE with multimodal imaging long-term follow-up. Color fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence, eye-tracked spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCT angiography findings are discussed.

RESULTS

A 71-year-old man diagnosed with nonneovascular age-related macular degeneration presented with three different areas of RPE aperture in his right eye. At baseline, best-corrected visual acuity was 20/100 in his right eye. Dilated fundus examination showed three round areas of RPE atrophy, and fundus autofluorescence demonstrated marked hypoautofluorescence in the corresponding areas. The OCT scans showed discontinuities of the RPE band with no evidence of RPE tear. The OCT angiography showed no evidence of abnormal blood flow within the sub-RPE space. Over time, fundus autofluorescence and eye-tracked spectral domain OCT scans demonstrated spontaneous resolution of two of the RPE defects and reduction of the size of the third one, with complete flattening of the pigment epithelium detachment.

CONCLUSION

Distinction between RPE tears and apertures is important due to their different etiopathogenic mechanism and prognosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a case of complete closure of an RPE aperture. The mechanism of the observed RPE closure remains unknown, and further studies are warranted to better understand the mechanisms of RPE restoration and remodeling.

Quantitative Characteristics of Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography in Corresponding Areas of Increased Autofluorescence at the Margin of Geographic Atrophy in Patients With Age-Related Macular Degeneration

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) characteristics of the junctional zone corresponding to areas of increased autofluorescence (IAF) at the margin of geographic atrophy (GA) in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

SD-OCT and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) images from untreated eyes with GA available from archived studies at Doheny Image Reading Center were evaluated. Areas of definite decreased autofluorescence (DDAF) corresponding to GA, and areas of IAF at the margins of the GA were manually segmented. Eyes with evidence of IAF were selected. Following manual registration of FAF and OCT data, areas of IAF and normal fluorescence were correlated with OCT features at these locations.

RESULTS

Thirty eyes were included. The mean retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) thickness in areas of IAF was 40.6 µm ± 7.69 µm, compared to 28.8 µm ± 7.09 µm in normal adjacent areas (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Regions of IAF at the junctional zone of GA lesions appear to correspond to thickening of the presumed RPE band on OCT. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2016;47:523-527.].

PHOTOBIOMODULATION THERAPY FOR LARGE SOFT DRUSEN AND DRUSENOID PIGMENT EPITHELIAL DETACHMENT IN AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION: A Single-Center Prospective Pilot Study

PURPOSE

To evaluate visual acuity and morphologic changes after photobiomodulation (PBM) for patients affected with large soft drusen and/or drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment associated with dry age-related macular degeneration.

METHOD

Twenty eyes with large soft drusen and/or drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment age-related macular degeneration were included and treated using the LumiThera Valeda Light Delivery System. All patients underwent two treatments per week for 5 weeks. Outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity, microperimetry-scotopic testing, drusen volume, central drusen thickness, and quality of life score at baseline and month 6 (M6) follow-up. Data of best-corrected visual acuity, drusen volume, and central drusen thickness were also recorded at week 5 (W5).

RESULTS

Best-corrected visual acuity significantly improved at M6 with a mean score gain of 5.5 letters ( P = 0.007). Retinal sensitivity decreased by 0.1 dB ( P = 0.17). The mean fixation stability increased by 0.45% ( P = 0.72). Drusen volume decreased by 0.11 mm 3 ( P = 0.03). Central drusen thickness was reduced by a mean of 17.05 µ m ( P = 0.01). Geographic atrophy area increased by 0.06 mm 2 ( P = 0.01) over a 6-month follow-up, and quality of life score increased by 3,07 points on average ( P = 0.05). One patient presented a drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment rupture at M6 after PBM treatment.

CONCLUSION

The visual and anatomical improvements in our patients support previous reports on PBM. PBM may provide a valid therapeutic option for large soft drusen and drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment age-related macular degeneration and may potentially slow the natural course of the disease.

Choroidal Neovascularization and Geographic Atrophy are Potential Complications of Early Onset Large Colloid Drusen

The authors report a case of large colloid drusen (LCD) complicated by choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and geographic atrophy (GA). A 54-year-old man was referred to the authors' department with diagnosis of early onset retinal drusen. Multimodal imaging led to a diagnosis of LCD complicated by GA in the right eye and CNV in the left eye. The patient received a single injection of intravitreal aflibercept (Eylea; Regeneron, Tarrytown, NY) in the left eye. Six months later, best-corrected visual acuity improved to 20/25, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography still showed absence of subretinal and intraretinal fluid. GA and CNV are possible complications of LCD, and contrary to previous beliefs, it should therefore not be considered as a benign condition. Intravitreal aflibercept could be considered as a useful treatment in cases complicated by CNV. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2017;48:586-590.].

Digital Nullification of Visual Distortion to Quantify Metamorphopsia: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a novel digital method of metamorphopsia quantification in patients with symptomatic visual distortion as determined by M-CHARTS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this institutional review board-approved, prospective, cross-sectional observational study, subjects were presented with an objectively straight dotted line that bisects a central fixation point. The subjects digitally altered the line's contour until it appeared straight. Calculation of the area between the original objectively straight line presented to the subject and their newly manipulated line was performed to determine the manipulated area under the curve (M-AUC).

RESULTS

Sixty-two percent of test targets were fully or significantly straightened by affected subjects. M-AUC was significantly correlated with M-CHARTS scores in both the horizontal (P < .001) and vertical (P = .05) orientations.

CONCLUSIONS

The deformation of an objectively straight line by a subject with metamorphopsia may be a viable way of both quantifying and spatially characterizing visual distortions. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2020;51:11-20.].

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.

Bilateral polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy coexisting with exudative and atrophic age-related macular degeneration

OBJECTIVE

To present the case of simultaneous presentation of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and aged-related macular degeneration (AMD).

CASE REPORT

An 83-year-old woman presented with decreased vision in the left eye (LE). In the examination there was an orange peripapillary lesion surrounded by lipid exudates and another subfoveal greyish lesion in the LE. Disciform scarring was observed in the right eye. Fluorescein angiography showed a classic neovascular membrane in in the LE fovea. Indocyanine angiography (ICGA) showed a polyp-like peri-papillary aneurysmal dilation in both eyes. The patient was treated with photodynamic therapy and anti-VEFG injections with stabilisation of the lesions.

CONCLUSION

PCV and AMD can co-exist in unusual cases. When PCV is suspected, ICGA is mandatory for diagnosis.

[Molecular genetic basis of age-related macular degeneration]

Visual loss due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is caused by one or both forms of advanced disease: "wet" (neovascular) or "dry" (geographic atrophy). Immune system plays a central role in pathogenesis and progression of both AMD forms. Main genetic polymorphisms associated with risk of AMD development and progression were found to be genes that regulate inflammation especially in complement factor H gen (1q31 locus) and 10q26 locus (PLEKHAI/ARMS2/HTRA1). Association of response to treatment and genotype was shown in patients with AMD. Complete characterization of both common and rare alleles that influence AMD risk is necessary for accurate determination of individual genetic risk as well as identification of new targets for therapeutic intervention.