Autologous internal limiting membrane transplantation achieves anatomic closure and functional improvement in the treatment of large, persistent macular holes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcome of subretinal autologous internal limiting membrane (ILM) transplantation during pars-plana vitrectomy for persistent full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) repair. METHODS: Retrospective, consecutive case series of 13 eyes (13 patients) undergoing small-incision vitrectomy with ILM transplantation and air tamponade for large persistent FTMH after prior unsuccessful vitrectomy with posterior hyaloid detachment and ILM peeling. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: For all eyes, high-definition spectral domain optical coherence tomography scans (SD-OCT Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering GmbH, Germany) of the macula were routinely performed before surgery, 1 and 4 weeks after surgery, and at the final follow-up visit. Additionally, age, gender, axial length, macular hole diameter, biomicroscopic fundus evaluation and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at baseline, 1 and 4 weeks after surgery, and at the final follow-up visit were analyzed. RESULTS: Anatomic closure was achieved in all 13 cases (100% success rate). Closure pattern was classified in accordance with to Rossi et al. (Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 258(12):2629-2638, 2020). Mean baseline BCVA logMAR was 0.93, mean postoperative BCVA logMAR was 0.66 with a mean postoperative follow-up period of 11.4 months. No re-opening occurred during the observation period. CONCLUSIONS: Placing an autologous ILM-transplant in the subretinal space beneath the margin of the FTMH can support anatomic restauration and functional improvement in large, persistent FTMHs.

Relaxing radial retinal incisions for the treatment of persistent macular holes.

PURPOSE: Various surgical techniques have been described for managing persistent macular holes after an unsuccessful vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. However, the closure and functional improvement rates after these procedures are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of radial retinal incisions (retinotomies) in eyes with persistent large macula holes despite previous vitrectomy with ILM peeling. DESIGN: In a retrospective case series, closure rate and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were evaluated in eyes with persistent macular holes after an unsuccessful vitrectomy that included posterior vitreous detachment and ILM peeling. SUBJECTS: 22 eyes of 22 patients (10 men and 12 women) underwent re-vitrectomy with radial retinal incisions. All the patients had undergone an unsuccessful surgery before. METHODS: Small-incision re-vitrectomy with radial retinal incisions (retinotomies) and air tamponade was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: For all eyes, high-definition SD-OCT scans (SD-OCT Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering GmbH, Germany) of the macula were routinely performed before surgery; 1 week and 1 month after surgery; and at final follow-up. Additionally, age, gender, axial length, macular hole diameter, biomicroscopic fundus evaluation and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in logMAR and Snellen at baseline, 1 and 4 months after operation, and at the final follow-up visit were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean baseline macular hole diameter was 668.5 ± 226.8 µm. At the final examination, 16 (72.72%) of the 22 macula holes were closed. Visual acuity increased in 17 eyes, was stable in 3 eyes, and decreased in 2 eyes owing to central retinal atrophy in both. The mean BCVA increased from logMAR 1.04 ± 0.29 at baseline to 0.57 ± 0.31 (Snellen 0.11 ± 0.05 to 0.33 ± 0.18). In all successful cases, macula hole closure was attained after 3 days, and none of the eyes showed macula hole recurrence. CONCLUSION: The results of this limited case series suggest that radial retinal incisions of the rim in persistent macula holes after initial surgery with ILM peeling increase the success rate of macula hole closure and results in a relevant increase in BCVA. However, as the number of eyes included in this series is limited, the results must be confirmed in a study with a larger sample size.

The Optical Coherence Tomography and Microperimetry Biomarker Evaluation in Patients with Geographic Atrophy (OMEGA) Study: Design and Baseline Characteristics - OMEGA Report 1.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to describe the design and the participants' baseline characteristics of a prospective natural history study of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration. METHODS: The optical coherence tomography (OCT) and microperimetry biomarker evaluation in patients with GA (OMEGA) study was conducted at a tertiary referral center (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05963646). Participants were followed for 12 months during 4 visits (baseline and follow-up exams at weeks 12, 24, and 48) with best-corrected Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study visual acuity, low-luminance visual acuity (LLVA), and quick contrast sensitivity function testing. Further, participants underwent spectral-domain OCT, OCT angiography, fundus autofluorescence imaging, and mesopic microperimetry testing. RESULTS: Thirty participants (median [IQR] age of 79 [77, 84] years) and 37 study eyes were included with a (median [IQR]) GA area of 1.40 mm2 (0.49, 5.24) at baseline. Out of 37 study eyes, six developed macular neovascularizations (16%). The study-eye best-corrected visual acuity was (median [IQR]) 0.18 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) (0.06, 0.26), LLVA 0.66 logMAR (0.36, 0.88), and the microperimetry mean sensitivity 18.4 dB (9.21, 20.9). The highest correlation between square root GA area and a visual function test was evident for LLVA (R2 of 0.578), followed by area under the log contrast sensitivity function curve (0.519) and microperimetral retinal sensitivity (0.487). CONCLUSION: This report lays out the design and baseline characteristics of the OMEGA study, which aims to contribute to the understanding of the natural history of GA. The OMEGA study will provide estimates of the ability to detect change and retest reliability for a panel of structure and functional assessments.

Brolucizumab in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Macular Edema: Ophthalmology and Diabetology Treatment Aspects.

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies have become the standard of care in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME), resulting in a remarkable decrease in disease-related vision loss. However, the need for regular injections places a significant burden on patients, caregivers, and the healthcare system and improvements in vision may not be maintained long term. As a result of its drying potency and duration of action, brolucizumab, an intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy approved for the treatment of nAMD and DME, could decrease injection frequency for patients and provide an efficacious treatment; however, balancing its benefits and risks can be challenging. There have been reports of intraocular inflammation (IOI) in patients treated with brolucizumab, which, if left untreated, may result in severe vision loss. Recent evidence, however, indicates that early recognition of IOI and prompt and aggressive systemic corticosteroid treatment in response to posterior segment involvement can lead to favorable outcomes in these relatively rare but severe cases. A series of consensus meetings were conducted in 2022 between Swiss medical retina experts and diabetologists, discussing the current data for brolucizumab and exploring various challenges to its use, including the associated risk of IOI. The outcome is a collation of practical insights and guidance for ophthalmologists on the use of brolucizumab in patients with nAMD and DME, including patient selection and assessment, treatment regimen and monitoring, and the recognition and management of adverse events.

Predictors for 2-Year Functional and Morphological Outcomes of a Treat-and-Extend Regimen with Ranibizumab in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to investigate longer term functional and morphological outcomes and their predictors in diabetic macular edema (DME) following a treat-and-extend regimen (TER) without loading dose under ranibizumab. METHODS: Patient data were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively over a period of 24 months after initiation of TER. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), treatment frequency, and quantitative and qualitative spectral-domain optical coherence tomography parameters were assessed. RESULTS: 118 eyes of 87 patients were included. A mean of 9.74 ± 2.13 injections in the first and 7.63 ± 2.29 in the second year were applied. There were significant gains of BCVA and reductions in central retinal thickness from baseline to 12 and 24 months (all p < 0.001). Percentage of eyes with an intact inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction increased from 15.3% at baseline to 42.1% at 24 months (p < 0.001). An intact IS/OS junction at baseline increased the probability of having a dry retina after 12 months by 79.3% (p = 0.017) and after 24 months by 88.1% (p = 0.040). Less IS/OS disruption at baseline predicted longer maximum recurrence-free treatment intervals at 2 years (r = -0.345, p < 0.001) and better BCVA at 1 year (r = -0.347, p < 0.001). Baseline bigger intraretinal cysts were associated with more IS/OS disruption at 24 months (r = 0.305, p = 0.007). Younger age and lower BCVA at baseline were predictive for a higher BCVA gain at 24 months (p = 0.046, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Ranibizumab applied in a TER without loading dose in DME significantly improves visual acuity and retinal anatomical structure throughout 2 years. The evaluated predictors might help guide routine clinical treatment in DME.

Pre-Descemetic Placement of Intracorneal Ring Segments for Keratoconus after Mechanical Implantation.

We report the case of a 23-year-old male who was referred to our clinic for a routine follow-up examination. The patient was treated for keratoconus 3 years ago in Colombia, where intracorneal ring segments were implanted mechanically in both eyes to improve his visual acuity. Surprisingly, we discovered a pre-descemetic placement of intracorneal ring segments, which could lead to potential complications, under circumstances. We illustrate this impressive finding with slit-lamp photography and high-resolution anterior segment OCT and advocate for the use of femtosecond laser as the method of choice for intracorneal ring segment insertion in order to provide maximal precision and safety.

Low-Energy Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Treatment of Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration in a Treat-and-Extend Regimen.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of low-energy stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) combined with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment following a treat-and-extend regimen (TER) in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Before/after SRT, the authors compared retrospective consecutive case series of 50 patients requiring frequent anti-VEGF treatment (every 4 or 6 weeks) in wet AMD, treated with a single session of SRT and TER (same manner pre/post-SRT). Outcomes were visual acuity (VA), recurrence-free interval, and central retinal thickness (CRT). RESULTS: After SRT, CRT was reduced from baseline (407.3 µm ± 153.2 µm) to 12 months (320.2 µm ± 112.1 µm; P < .001), with statistical significance from month 2 onward. VA was stable for 12 months (64.0 letters ± 15.1 letters vs. 63.6 letters ± 16.2 letters). The mean recurrence-free interval increased from 4.24 weeks ± 0.66 weeks to 7.52 weeks ± 3.05 weeks at 12 months (P < .001). No severe side effects were observed. CONCLUSION: Low-energy SRT, combined with anti-VEGF TER, was associated with reduced injection frequency and preserved VA during 12 months of follow-up. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2018;49:86-93.].

ASSESSMENT OF DRUSEN AND OTHER RETINAL DEGENERATIVE CHANGES IN PATIENTS WITH HEREDITARY HEMOCHROMATOSIS.

PURPOSE: Iron can exert oxidative damage, and increased accumulation is believed to play a role in age-related macular degeneration. Hereditary hemochromatosis leads to an increase in total body iron. Patients with HH were assessed for drusen and other retinal changes. METHODS: Descriptive uncontrolled study of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, short-wavelength autofluorescence, and color fundus images from patients with HH were used. Diagnosis of HH was established by measuring ferritin and transferrin saturation, and confirmed by genetic testing. Classification of the patients according to initial ferritin level was: Group A >1,032 µg/L; Group B below. RESULTS: Twenty-five percent of the invited participants were enrolled. Mean age at diagnosis was 46 ± 15 years in Group A, and 38 ± 13 years in Group B, P = 0.07, whereas mean age at imaging was 60 ± 13 years in Group A, and 48 ± 15 years in Group B (P = 0.003). The median of the initial ferritin level was 1,869 (1,262-3,256) ng/mL in Group A, and 534 (439-679) ng/mL in Group B. No subject in either group revealed multiple drusen, unambiguous changes of the retinal pigment epithelium, or increased lipofuscin in any of the images. CONCLUSION: The study results did not show an increased prevalence of drusen or other retinal degenerative changes in patients with HH. Thus, it was concluded that increased intestinal iron absorption as well as increased blood iron concentration are not risk factors for the early development of retinal degenerative changes in this study population.

Baseline Optical Coherence Tomography Findings as Outcome Predictors after Switching from Ranibizumab to Aflibercept in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration following a Treat-and-Extend Regimen.

PURPOSE: To evaluate outcome predictors of aflibercept in neovascular age-related macular degeneration pretreated with ranibizumab based on a treat-and-extend regimen (TER). METHODS: We performed a retrospective evaluation of 18-month follow-up of 45 consecutive patients with limited response to ranibizumab. RESULTS: At month 18, mean central retinal thickness and intraretinal fluid (IRF) height were significantly reduced. The recurrence-free treatment interval (RFTI) increased from 7.0 ± 1.8 to 8.5 ± 2.4 weeks (p = 0.01); visual acuity remained stable. At month 18, 58.1% of patients showed a longer RFTI. At month 12, eyes with baseline subretinal fluid (SRF) had a shorter RFTI than those without SRF (p = 0.032). Eyes with baseline IRF showed a longer RFTI than those without IRF (p = 0.037). Baseline hyperreflective foci (HRF) presence indicated improvement in SRF (p = 0.024) and IRF at month 12 (p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: Baseline HRF presence predicted better morphological outcome, while SRF predicted a shorter RFTI and IRF a longer RFTI after switching from ranibizumab to aflibercept within a TER.

Considerations for management of patients with diabetic macular edema: Optimizing treatment outcomes and minimizing safety concerns through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Diabetes is a growing worldwide epidemic and a leading cause of blindness in working-age people around the world. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) are common causes of visual impairment in people with diabetes and often indicate the presence of diabetes-associated preclinical micro- and macrovascular complications. As such, patients with DR and DME often display complex, highly comorbid profiles. Several treatments are currently available for the treatment of DME, including anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, which are administered via intravitreal injection. While the safety profiles of approved ocular anti-VEGF therapies have been reassuring, the high-risk nature of the DME patient population means that treatment must be carefully considered and a holistic approach to disease management should be taken. This requires multidisciplinary, collaborative care involving all relevant specialties to ensure that patients not only receive prompt treatment for DME but also appropriate consideration is taken of any systemic comorbidities to evaluate and minimize potentially serious safety issues.

Treat and Extend versus Pro Re Nata regimens of ranibizumab in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a comparative 12 Month study.

PURPOSE: To compare outcomes in patients with treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) receiving ranibizumab treat and extend (TE) with those receiving ranibizumab pro re nata (PRN) in a clinical setting. METHODS: During this 12-month retrospective, consecutive, comparative case series, patients received ranibizumab 0.5 mg according to a TE or PRN regimen. Monthly optical coherence tomography (OCT) evaluation was performed during the PRN regimen; retreatment criteria included recurrence of intra-/subretinal fluid, or haemorrhages. During the TE regimen, initial treatment with 4-week intervals was sequentially lengthened by 2 weeks until signs of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) activity recurred. Study end-points included mean change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT), mean injection frequency and number of follow-up visits attended. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar between the TE (n = 70) and PRN (n = 70) groups. Mean change in BCVA from baseline to Month 12 was significantly greater in the TE group than the PRN group (+0.18 ± 0.17 versus +0.07 ± 0.20, p < 0.001). Mean change in CRT from baseline to Month 12 was greater in the TE group than the PRN group (-116 ± 132 versus -58 ± 157 µm, p = 0.019). The number of follow-up visits attended was significantly higher in the PRN group than the TE group (11.9 ± 1.1 versus 8.6 ± 1.9, p < 0.001), while patients in the TE group received more injections during the study than those in the PRN group (8.6 ± 1.9 versus 6.0 ± 1.9, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Ranibizumab administered using a TE regimen in treatment-naïve patients with nAMD provided better visual outcomes with fewer clinic visits, compared with a PRN regimen.

INTRAVITREAL AFLIBERCEPT IN NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION WITH LIMITED RESPONSE TO RANIBIZUMAB: A Treat-and-Extend Trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate aflibercept treat-and-extend regimen for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration in patients with limited response to ranibizumab. METHODS: This prospective single-arm trial included 33 patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration pretreated with treat-and-extend regimen ranibizumab for ≥6 months who failed to be extended to a 6-week interval at least twice. All patients received aflibercept (2 mg/0.05 mL) at baseline, and were subsequently treated according to treat-and-extend regimen, starting with a 4-week interval and extending in 2-week steps. Evaluations included mean maximum recurrence-free treatment interval; best-corrected visual acuity; central retinal thickness; and pigment epithelium detachment height and horizontal diameter. RESULTS: At Week 24, the maximum recurrence-free treatment interval increased to ≥6 weeks in ∼35% of patients, whereas the mean interval was 4.9 ± 1.3 weeks. Best-corrected visual acuity score remained stable, but significant reductions in central retinal thickness (P < 0.001) and pigment epithelium detachment height (P = 0.001) were observed compared with baseline, as was a small decrease in horizontal pigment epithelium detachment diameter (P = 0.035). CONCLUSION: After switching patients with limited ranibizumab response to aflibercept, signs of choroidal neovascularization activity regressed, and an increased duration of treatment effects was seen in approximately one-third of lesions, but visual acuity was unchanged.

Comparing ranibizumab monotherapy and combination with single photodynamic therapy in wet AMD: retreatment and morphologic results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate retreatment indications/morphologic responses to ranibizumab monotherapy and combination with verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT). METHODS: A total of 40 patients received 3 monthly intravitreal ranibizumab 0.3 mg injections combined with either PDT or sham PDT at baseline (1:1) followed by as-needed ranibizumab based on predetermined vision/anatomical criteria. RESULTS: Retreatment criteria were visual acuity (VA) loss (59%/58%), central retinal thickness (CRT) increase (27%/26%), or both (14%/16%). One month before retreatment, intraretinal cysts (IRC) were present in 84%/74%, subretinal fluid (SRF) in 70%/63%, and at least one of them in 84%/89% of eyes. A significant decrease in mean leakage area, IRC, and SRF as well as a reduction in presence of hemorrhages and hard exudates occurred in both treatment groups at 12 months (compared to baseline). CONCLUSIONS: Retreatment indications were mostly based on VA loss, probably due to the quantitative optical coherence tomography criterion. Intraretinal cysts and SRF were earlier predictors for recurring choroidal neovascularization (CNV) activity than CRT/VA changes. Both treatment strategies were equally potent in reducing CNV activity.

Changing from a pro re nata treatment regimen to a treat and extend regimen with ranibizumab in neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

BACKGROUND: Treat and extend (TE) treatment regimens have the potential to reduce the treatment burden placed upon patients receiving ranibizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). This study aimed to analyse changes in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and anatomical parameters in patients switching from a pro re nata (PRN) to a TE regimen during routine clinical practice. METHODS: Retrospective, consecutive, comparative case series of treatment-naïve patients who were initially treated with 0.5 mg ranibizumab according to a PRN schedule, and subsequently switched to a TE schedule (12-month follow-up). RESULTS: 146 eyes from 134 consecutive treatment-naïve patients were included. Mean BCVA (decimal±SD) increased from 0.39±0.23 to 0.55±0.22 (p<0.001) during the PRN loading regimen, declining to 0.49±0.22 (p<0.001) during the PRN maintenance phase (mean duration 17 months; range 3-55). Following the switch to TE, BCVA improved to 0.55±0.23 and 0.56±0.24 by 6 and 12 months, respectively (p<0.001). Mean intraindividual variance in BCVA was higher during the PRN phase than at 12 months for TE (0.30±0.18 vs 0.09±0.08, respectively; p<0.001). After switching to TE, mean central retinal thickness decreased from 355±112 µm to 330±105 and 320±103 µm at 6 and 12 months, respectively (p<0.001). Mean number of visits per month was higher during PRN than TE periods (1.05±0.13 vs 0.73±0.18; respectively; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A TE regimen can improve and stabilise patient outcomes in nAMD compared with PRN, with the potential to reduce the healthcare resource burden incurred from fixed monitoring requirements.

Ranibizumab 0.5†mg treat-and-extend regimen for diabetic macular oedema: the RETAIN study.

AIMS: To demonstrate non-inferiority of ranibizumab treat-and-extend (T&E) with/without laser to ranibizumab pro re nata (PRN) for best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in patients with diabetic macular oedema (DMO). METHODS: A 24-month single-masked study with patients randomised 1:1:1 to T&E+laser (n=121), T&E (n=128) or PRN (control; n=123). All patients received monthly injections until BCVA stabilisation. The investigator decided on re-treatment in the PRN and treatment-interval adaptations in the T&E groups based on loss of BCVA stability due to DMO activity. Likewise, laser treatment was at investigator's discretion. Collectively, these features reflect a real-life scenario. Endpoints included mean average change in BCVA from baseline to months 1-12 (primary), mean BCVA change from baseline to months 12 and 24, treatment exposure and safety profile. RESULTS: Both T&E regimens were non-inferior to PRN based on mean average BCVA change from baseline to months 1-12 (T&E+laser: +5.9 and T&E: +6.1 vs PRN: +6.2 letters; both p<0.0001). Mean BCVA change at month 24 was similar across groups (+8.3, +6.5 and +8.1 letters, respectively). The mean number of injections was 12.4 and 12.8 in the T&E+laser and T&E groups and 10.7 in the PRN group. The T&E regimens showed 46% reduction in the number of clinic visits. Over 70% of patients maintained their BCVA, with treatment intervals of ≥2 months over 24 months. Safety profile was consistent with that described in the product information. CONCLUSIONS: T&E is a feasible treatment option for patients with DMO, with a potential to reduce treatment burden. Slightly more injections were required versus PRN, likely due to the specifics of the T&E regimen applied here. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01171976.

Ranibizumab plus verteporfin photodynamic therapy in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: 12 months of retreatment and vision outcomes from a randomized study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the injection frequency and visual acuity (VA) outcomes with combination therapy (ranibizumab plus verteporfin photodynamic therapy, PDT) versus monotherapy (ranibizumab). METHODS: A total of 40 patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration were randomized 1:1 to ranibizumab 0.3 mg plus single standard verteporfin PDT or ranibizumab 0.3 mg plus sham PDT. Ranibizumab was administered 3 times monthly followed by 'as needed' to month 12 based on predetermined vision/anatomical criteria. Retreatment rates, VA outcomes and safety were assessed. RESULTS: During months 3-12, combination therapy patients required fewer ranibizumab injections (mean 1.3) compared with monotherapy patients (2.8). Mean VA improved by 9.0 letters with combination therapy versus 7.5 letters in the monotherapy group at month 12. Both treatment regimens were well tolerated. CONCLUSION: The need for ranibizumab retreatment might be reduced by administering a single verteporfin PDT on the same day as the first ranibizumab injection, without compromising VA outcomes or safety.

A longitudinal comparison of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence in geographic atrophy.

PURPOSE: To identify reliable criteria based on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT) to monitor disease progression in geographic atrophy attributable to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) compared with lesion size determination based on fundus autofluorescence (FAF). DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal observational study. METHODS: setting: Institutional. study population: A total of 48 eyes in 24 patients with geographic atrophy. observation procedures: Eyes with geographic atrophy were included and examined at baseline and at months 3, 6, 9, and 12. At each study visit best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), FAF, and SD OCT imaging were performed. FAF images were analyzed using the region overlay device. Planimetric measurements in SD OCT, including alterations or loss of outer retinal layers and the RPE, as well as choroidal signal enhancement, were performed with the OCT Toolkit. main outcome measures: Areas of interest in patients with geographic atrophy measured from baseline to month 12 by SD OCT compared with the area of atrophy measured by FAF. RESULTS: Geographic atrophy lesion size increased from 8.88 mm² to 11.22 mm² based on quantitative FAF evaluation. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that results similar to FAF planimetry for determining lesion progression can be obtained by measuring the areas of outer plexiform layer thinning (adjusted R(2) = 0.93), external limiting membrane loss (adjusted R(2) = 0.89), or choroidal signal enhancement (R(2) = 0.93) by SD OCT. CONCLUSIONS: SD OCT allows morphologic markers of disease progression to be identified in geographic atrophy and may improve understanding of the pathophysiology of atrophic AMD.

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in Caucasian patients with presumed neovascular age-related macular degeneration and poor ranibizumab response.

AIMS: To determine the prevalence of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in patients with presumed neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) who were considered poor responders to ranibizumab. METHODS: Caucasian patients with suspected neovascular AMD, presumed to be choroidal neovascularisation, previously treated with ≥8 intravitreal injections of ranibizumab 0.5 mg (Lucentis; Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland) administered as required during optical coherence tomography-guided dosing were retrospectively included. Eyes were categorised according to the time from injection 1 to injection 6 (group 1: <12 months; group 2: ≥12 months). Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) was used to re-evaluate eyes for PCV. Suitable candidates received reduced-fluence photodynamic therapy/ranibizumab combination therapy supplemented by ranibizumab monotherapy, as required. RESULTS: 202 eyes were included (group 1: 73.8%; group 2: 26.2%). The prevalence of PCV in group 1 (21.5%) was significantly higher than in group 2 (3.8%; p=0.003). After initiation of combination therapy, 16 eyes with PCV received 3.1±2.5 ranibizumab injections/year vs 8.4±2.4 injections/year before initiation of combination therapy (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In Caucasian patients with presumed neovascular AMD, PCV prevalence is increased in eyes that respond poorly to ranibizumab monotherapy. ICGA improved PCV diagnosis in poor responders; combination therapy may be beneficial for eyes with PCV.