MORPHOLOGICAL BIOMARKERS PREDICTING EXUDATIVE CONVERSION IN TYPE 1 NONEXUDATIVE MACULAR NEOVASCULARIZATION USING...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Biomarkers

Background:

• Type 1 nonexudative macular neovascularization (MN) is a precursor to exudative AMD.
• Predicting exudative conversion is crucial for timely intervention and visual prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of exudative conversion in type 1 MN.
• To identify morphological biomarkers using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) that predict exudative conversion.

Main Methods:

• Eyes with type 1 MN were analyzed using SS-OCTA.
• Eyes were categorized as 'active' (exudation within 1 year) or 'silent' (no exudation).
• Qualitative and quantitative SS-OCTA parameters were compared between groups.

Main Results:

• Nine out of 40 eyes (22.5%) developed exudation within 1 year.
• The active group showed significantly higher "anastomosis and loops" patterns and "vessel density" compared to the silent group.
• A predictive model combining "anastomosis and loops" and "vessel density" achieved 95% accuracy.

Conclusions:

• The 1-year incidence of exudative conversion is 22.5%.
• "Anastomosis and loops" and increased "vessel density" on SS-OCTA are significant predictors.
• Frequent monitoring is recommended for high-risk eyes to detect exudative conversion early.