Ten-year changes in visual acuity at baseline and at 2 years after treatment in a Japanese population with age-related macular degeneration

Purpose We investigated 10-year changes in baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), as well as functional and anatomical changes at 1 and 2 years after initial treatment, in eyes with treatment-naive neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Methods This retrospective, multicenter, case series reviewed patients with treatment-naive nAMD who underwent initial treatment from 2006 to 2015, using photodynamic therapy (PDT), anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), or a combination of PDT and anti-VEGF. BCVA and central retinal subfield thickness (CRST), were measured at baseline and at 1 or 2 years of follow-up. Results In total, 3096 eyes of 3096 patients were included from 14 hospitals. Mean BCVA at baseline became significantly better over the 10-year study period (P < 0.001). BCVA at 1 year significantly improved from baseline in patients who underwent initial treatment from 2009 to 2015 (P = 0.001, 2009; P = 0.004, 2010; P = 0.01, 2011; P < 0.001, 2012-2015). BCVA at 2 years significantly improved from baseline in patients who underwent initial treatment from 2012 to 2015 (P < 0.001, 2012; P < 0.001, 2013-2015). CRST at 1 year decreased significantly from CRST at baseline, each year from 2006 to 2015 (P < 0.001, 2006-2015). CRST at 2 years decreased significantly from CRST at baseline, each year from 2006 to 2015 (P = 0.03, 2006; P < 0.001, 2007-2015). Conclusion Baseline BCVA with treatment-naive nAMD tended to become better during the study period. BCVA at 1 year improved in the era of anti-VEGF; BCVA at 2 years improved in patients who underwent initial treatment in 2012 or later; and CRST decreased in each year during the study period.

Automated summary

The baseline BCVA in treatment-naive nAMD patients tended to improve over a 10-year period. BCVA at 1 year improved during the anti-VEGF era, while BCVA at 2 years improved in patients treated in 2012 or later. Additionally, CRST decreased each year during the study period.