The links between the macula structure and visual acuity and the changes after 2 years treatment of choroidal neovascularization by intravitreal injections of vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors.

Aim of the study: To evaluate the link between the macula structure and visual acuity and the changes after 2 years for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors by intravitreal injection. Objectives: 1. Identify the types of exudative age-related macular degeneration (eAMD) choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and the association with visual acuity prior treatment. 2. To evaluate structural changes in macula for 2 years by treating individual types of CNV with injection of VEGF inhibitors into the vitreous. 3. To evaluate changes in visual function for 2 years by treating individual types of CNV with injection of VEGF inhibitors into the vitreous. 4. To evaluate the link between structural changes in macula and visual function changes for 2 years by treating individual types of CNV with injection of VEGF inhibitors into the vitreous. Material and methods: We analyzed patients with exudative AMD who was treated by injections of VEGF inhibitors into the vitreous in Department of Ophthalmology, the Hospital of LSMU Kaunas clinics in 2014 – 2016, analyzed the ophthalmologic data and CRT measured using OCT. According OCT we identified 3 types of CNV and 3 study groups were performed: I – occult CNV, II – classic CNV, III – minimal classic CNV. Results: The study group consisted of 189 patients with eAGDD who were treated for 2 years by intravitreal injections of VEGF inhibitors and included 195 eyes. The study included 53 men (28%) and 136 women (72%). Women were statistically significantly more than males (p 0.219), but the decrease in CRT for all types of eAMD was quite significant (more than 70%). The overall study showed a BCVA statistically significant worse in II group compared to I group (p <0.05), and III group had a statistically significantly worse BCVA before treatment compared to I group (p