THE INFLUENCE OF VITREOMACULAR ADHESION ON OUTCOMES AFTER AFLIBERCEPT THERAPY FOR NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION.

Abstract

To evaluate the influence of vitreomacular attachment on outcomes after intravitreal aflibercept for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. In a prospective case series, eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration were treated with intravitreal aflibercept, given as 3 consecutive monthly injections, followed by further injection every 2 months. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography images were reviewed at each visit to determine the attachment of the posterior hyaloid. Best-corrected visual acuity and retinal thickness were also recorded. Outcomes at Months 2 and 6 were compared between the eyes with persistent vitreomacular attachment (Stage 1) and those with posterior vitreous detachment (Stages 2 or 3 PVD) at baseline. At baseline, 30 eyes had Stage 1 PVD and 63 eyes had either Stage 2 or 3 PVD. Although there was a trend for both greater visual acuity gains and reductions in retinal thickness for the eyes with Stages 2 or 3 PVD, this failed to reach significance. Baseline visual acuity and age were negatively associated with visual acuity change, and baseline retinal thickness alone was associated with retinal thickness change. Visual acuity, retinal thickness, and age at the baseline examination, but not PVD status, are associated with functional and anatomical outcomes after intravitreal aflibercept for neovascular age-related macular degeneration.