[The modified treat and extend scheme with injection blocks in intravitreal injection treatment : Retrospective analysis from the routine clinical application]. / Das modifizierte Treat-and-Extend-Schema mit Injektionsblöcken in der IVOM-Therapie : Retrospektive Analyse aus der täglichen klinischen Anwendung.

BACKGROUND: Regular treatment with intravitreal operative medication injections (IVOM) and the associated frequent check-ups are a major challenge for many patients, which can lead to treatment discontinuation. The aim of the modified treat and extend (TAE) in blocks scheme is to achieve stable retinal and visual outcomes with as few control visits as possible and thus to minimize the burden for the individual patient. METHODS: This monocentric retrospective study examined the treatment courses of 387 patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema and retinal vein occlusion, who were treated by three blocks of intravitreal injections in the TAE regimen. The primary endpoint was achieving an injection interval of 12 weeks. RESULTS: Intravitreal injections in TAE blocks significantly reduced retinal thickness and improved visual acuity. On average, a treatment interval of 2 months was achieved across the various indications. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal injections in TAE blocks of three injections can reduce patients' burden and lead to stable retinal and visual results.