Cataract Surgery in nAMD Patients Receiving Intravitreal Aflibercept Injections.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) often coexists with cataracts.
• Cataract surgery's impact on nAMD eyes undergoing anti-VEGF therapy requires evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess functional and anatomical outcomes after cataract surgery in nAMD eyes treated with anti-VEGF agents.
• To determine if cataract surgery affects the frequency of anti-VEGF injections or macular status.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study of 60 nAMD patients undergoing phacoemulsification with IOL implantation.
• Monitoring of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), and anti-VEGF injection frequency pre- and post-surgery.
• Long-term follow-up for BCVA (54 months) and short-term for CRT and injections (6 months).

Main Results:

• Significant BCVA improvement observed immediately and at six months post-surgery compared to pre-operative values (p < 0.01).
• BCVA remained stable throughout the observational period.
• No significant difference in mean CRT or mean number of anti-VEGF injections between pre- and post-surgical periods.

Conclusions:

• Phacoemulsification offers beneficial short- and long-term visual outcomes for nAMD patients on anti-VEGF therapy.
• Cataract surgery in these patients does not necessitate increased anti-VEGF treatment or lead to macular deterioration.