Optic disc drusen-associated neovascularization: A systematic review.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Optic disc drusen-associated choroidal neovascularization (ODD-CNV) is a rare condition affecting vision.
• Understanding visual outcomes and treatment efficacy in ODD-CNV is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and integrate evidence on visual outcomes in ODD-CNV.
• To compare the efficacy of different interventions and observation in ODD-CNV patients.
• To analyze age-related differences in treatment response.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases (1974-2024).
• Inclusion criteria: studies reporting baseline/follow-up visual acuity and intervention for ODD-CNV.
• Methodological quality assessment using a standardized tool for case reports.

Main Results:

• Seventy-four eyes (65 patients) were analyzed; median age 13 years, 63.5% female.
• Treated eyes showed significantly better visual outcomes (0.53 LogMAR improvement) than observation (0.09 LogMAR improvement).
• Anti-VEGF therapy demonstrated superior outcomes (0.71 LogMAR improvement) in pediatric patients with minimal side effects.

Conclusions:

• Intervention is vital for improving visual acuity in ODD-CNV.
• Pediatric patients exhibit a greater response to treatment, particularly anti-VEGF therapy.
• Anti-VEGF therapy is effective and safe for ODD-CNV in the pediatric population.