Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy for vascularized pigment epithelium detachment in age-related macular degeneration

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment of vascularized pigment epithelial detachment (PED) due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: A total of 26 patients with vascularized PED secondary to AMD were retrospectively analyzed and treated with anti-VEGF intravitreal injections according to a PRN regimen after 3 initial injections. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography were performed at baseline and quarterly. Results: Mean follow-up ranged from 9 to 26 months (mean 13.5). There was a deterioration in mean BCVA from 0.46 at baseline to 0.79 logMAR at 12 months (p<0.001). The mean PED greatest linear diameter (GLD) increased from 4499 at baseline to 5206 pm at 1-year follow-up (p<0.001). The mean PED maximum height decreased from 669 pm at baseline to 305 pm at 1-year follow-up (p < 0.001). The mean central retinal thickness (CRT) was unchanged (from 277 to 209 pm at 1 year follow-up) (p = 0.099). No effect was seen on the change of VA according to groups of baseline predictors as defined by the medial value: baseline VA, PED height, and CRT (p>0.10).There was a borderline trend (p = 0.064) that GLD affected response to treatment. The mean number of injections was 5.5 (3 to 9). Seven out of 26 (27%) patients developed a retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tear. Conclusions: Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy, with a PRN regimen, did not prevent visual acuity loss or RPE tear.