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Longitudinal Assessment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Using Ultrawidefield Imaging: The Optos Peripheral Retina
Colin P Froines1, Jeong W Pak1, Elvira Agrón2
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin.
Ophthalmology
|December 1, 2024
Summary
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the entire retina, not just the macula. Peripheral retinal findings in AMD did not increase the risk of progression to late-stage disease in this 5-year study.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Imaging
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Background:
- Ultrawidefield (UWF) imaging reveals peripheral retinal abnormalities in age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
- Longitudinal studies on peripheral AMD findings are limited.
- This study aimed to characterize and quantify peripheral AMD features over five years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize and quantify peripheral retinal abnormalities in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) over a 5-year period using Ultrawidefield (UWF) imaging.
- To assess the association between peripheral AMD findings and the progression of central AMD.
Main Methods:
- An ancillary study (Optos Peripheral Retina - OPERA) of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2.
- Included 137 participants (265 eyes) with gradable UWF color and autofluorescence imaging at 5 and 10 years.
- Images were graded for macular and peripheral AMD features using the 3-zone OPERA study grid.
Main Results:
- AMD severity scale (AMDSS) scores and geographic atrophy (GA) prevalence increased over time in peripheral zones.
- Peripheral AMD abnormalities like drusen and pigmentary changes remained prevalent.
- Progression to late AMD occurred in 41% of eyes with an AMDSS level of 6-8, regardless of peripheral findings.
Conclusions:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a panretinal disease with features extending beyond the macula.
- Peripheral retinal findings in this study were not associated with an increased risk of progression to late AMD.
