Optical Coherence Tomography- and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography-Based Evaluation in Treatment-Naïve...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Background:

• Non-exudative macular neovascularization (NE MNV) is a precursor to exudative changes in age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
• Understanding the natural course and risk factors for progression of NE MNV is crucial for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical features and natural course of treatment-naïve NE MNV in Korean patients.
• To identify significant risk factors associated with the progression of NE MNV to exudative changes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective longitudinal study of 21 eyes from 21 Korean patients with NE MNV.
• Chart review included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCT angiography.
• Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to identify risk factors for exudative conversion.

Main Results:

• The average follow-up was 15.1 months, with 66.7% of eyes developing exudative changes.
• Older age (HR: 1.096), larger baseline central macular thickness (CMT) (HR: 1.025), and larger baseline NE MNV size (HR: 1.618) were significant risk factors.
• Baseline BCVA was 0.15 ± 0.18 logMAR; baseline CMT was 265.3 ± 37.1 μm.

Conclusions:

• Significant risk factors for exudative conversion in NE MNV include advanced age, increased baseline CMT, and larger baseline NE MNV.
• More frequent monitoring is advised for NE MNV patients with identified risk factors to facilitate timely management.
• This study provides insights into NE MNV progression in a Korean population.