Retinal Predictors of Visual Outcome and Recurrence in Naïve Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization Patients

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Research
• Retinal Diseases

Background:

• Myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) is a significant cause of vision loss in high myopia.
• Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections are a primary treatment for mCNV, but recurrence and visual outcomes vary.
• Predicting recurrence and understanding factors influencing visual acuity are crucial for optimizing patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify predictive factors for mCNV recurrence.
• To assess variables influencing visual acuity over time in patients with mCNV.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 137 eyes from 128 patients with mCNV treated with anti-VEGF injections.
• Minimum 12-month follow-up period.
• Cohort divided into recurrence (R) and non-recurrence (NR) groups based on mCNV activity.

Main Results:

• Recurrence was linked to lower baseline BCVA, higher central foveal thickness, RPE disruption, subretinal fluid, and increased CNV dimensions.
• In the non-recurrence group, final BCVA was influenced by age, time to first injection, baseline BCVA, post-initial therapy BCVA, RPE disruption, photoreceptor disruption, and lesion thickness.
• In the recurrence group, 12-month BCVA correlated with baseline BCVA, number of injections, RPE disruption, ellipsoid zone disruption, and CNV height.

Conclusions:

• Baseline clinical and imaging biomarkers significantly predict mCNV recurrence risk.
• These factors also influence long-term visual outcomes in mCNV patients.
• Early identification of predictive factors can guide treatment strategies and optimize visual prognosis.