Dynamics and patterns of recurrence in neovascular AMD during real-world management using automated fluid monitoring

In this retrospective longitudinal observational study, data from one site of the Fight Retinal Blindness! Registry (University of Zurich, Switzerland) was used to investigate the quantity and distribution of recurrent fluid in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Study eye eligibility required treatment-naïve nAMD, receiving at least three anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections, followed by a treatment discontinuation of at least six months and subsequence fluid recurrence. To quantify fluid, a regulatory approved deep learning algorithm (Vienna Fluid Monitor, RetInSight, Vienna, Austria) was used. Fifty-six eyes of 56 patients with a mean age of 76.29 ± 6.58 years at baseline fulfilled the inclusion criteria. From baseline to the end of the first treatment-free interval, SRF volume had decreased significantly (58.0 nl (IQR 10-257 nl) to 8.73 nl (IQR 1-100 nl), p < 0.01). The quantitative increase in IRF volume from baseline to the end of the first treatment-free interval was not statistically significant (1.35 nl (IQR 0-107 nl) to 5.18 nl (IQR 0-24 nl), p = 0.13). PED also did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.71). At the end of the second treatment discontinuation there was quantitatively more IRF (17.3 nl) than SRF (3.74 nl). In conclusion, discontinuation of treatment with anti-VEGF therapy may change the fluid pattern in nAMD.