Drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment volume is associated with a decrease in best-corrected visual acuity and...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment (DPED) is a significant finding in age-related macular degeneration.
• Understanding the volumetric changes and their impact on visual function during DPED growth is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment (DPED) volume and changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT).
• To analyze these changes during the growth phase of large DPEDs.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study (NORPED) including 44 patients with large DPEDs (≥1000 µm) and 1-year follow-up.
• Utilized Heidelberg Spectralis HRA-OCT, multicolour, and angiography imaging every 6 months.
• Excluded patients with DPEDs in the regression phase and monitored for choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

Main Results:

• Each 1.0 mm³ increase in DPED volume correlated with a decrease of 4.0 ETDRS letters in BCVA (p=0.008).
• Each 1.0 mm³ increase in DPED volume correlated with a decrease of 26.7 µm in CRT (p=0.003).
• Older age, subfoveal DPED location, and acquired vitelliform lesions were associated with decreased BCVA.

Conclusions:

• Growing DPED volume is linked to reduced BCVA and CRT.
• Subfoveal DPEDs and co-existing vitelliform lesions may further impair visual acuity.