Comparing visual outcomes of nAMD treatment during and after the COVID-19 restrictions period

TL;DR

This study found that patients diagnosed with a specific eye condition during the early pandemic had worse vision outcomes compared to those diagnosed later, likely due to less frequent treatment.

Contribution

The study compares visual outcomes of nAMD patients treated during and after the early pandemic period, revealing differences in treatment frequency and outcomes.

Findings

Patients diagnosed during the early pandemic had worse 12-month and final visual acuity outcomes.

Group 2 received more injections in the first year and achieved better vision thresholds.

The study suggests reduced treatment frequency during the pandemic contributed to worse outcomes.

Abstract

Compare treatment outcomes of newly diagnosed neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) during and after the COVID-19 restrictions.

This retrospective study at the Retina Group of Washington analyzed nAMD patients treated with anti-VEGF therapy with ≥ 12 months of follow-up. Two groups were identified: 258 subjects diagnosed between March 2020-March 2022 (Group 1) and 376 subjects diagnosed after (Group 2). Primary outcomes were 12-month and final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and number of injections in the first 12 months.

Initial mean BCVA was 20/71 and 20/68 in Group 1 and Group 2, with median BCVA of 20/60 and 20/50, respectively. At 12 months, mean BCVA improved to 20/65 and 20/54 in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively (p = 0.086). Final mean BCVA was 20/76 for Group 1 and 20/58 for Group 2 (p = 0.010). The mean change in LogMAR BCVA from the time of conversion to last follow-up was + 0.03 for Group 1 and -0.08 for Group 2 (p = 0.007). Group 1 had fewer injections in the first year of therapy (8.67 vs. 9.21, p = 0.004). 38.8% of Group 1 reached BCVA ≥20/40 at 12 months, versus 48.9% for Group 2 (p = 0.011).

Patients diagnosed during the COVID-19 restrictions period had worse visual outcomes than those diagnosed thereafter. Multiple factors, including, but not limited to reduced treatment frequency, likely contributed to worse visual outcomes.

Figures