A Japanese study has found the optimal time for treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is before vision loss.
The study authors said the results emphasised the importance of early detection of, and monitoring for, AMD.
The study authors said the results emphasised the importance of early detection of, and monitoring for, AMD
While the advent of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies for neovascular AMD have resulted in substantially better outcomes in this patient population, the results can vary substantially among patients.
Japanese investigators, led by first authors Dr Risa Aichi and Dr Norihiro Nagai, have reported that before the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) decreases and advanced lesions develop in eyes with AMD is the optimal time to begin treatment.
“Evaluating the treatment outcomes and factors associated with a good prognosis may help clinicians improve their treatment plans,” the investigators explained.
They retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of 104 eyes (104 patients) with AMD that had been treated with anti-VEGF drugs and followed for a minimum of one year out to three years.
All patients had received anti-VEGF treatment as the first therapy for AMD.
The study authors said the results emphasised the importance of advising individuals to visit the eye clinic when they observe even minor symptoms and for clinicians to detect AMD lesions at the early stage.
References
1. Aichi R, Nagai N, Ohkoshi K, Ozawa Y. Impact of treating age-related macular degeneration before visual function is impaired. J Clin Med. 2022,11: 5726; doi:10.3390/jcm11195726
