# Combined Pharmacological and Pneumatic Displacement Therapy for Sub-Macular Haemorrhage Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

## TL;DR

A new treatment combining drugs and gas injection improved vision in patients with macular bleeding from age-related eye disease.

## Contribution

A novel combined pharmacological and pneumatic approach for sub-macular haemorrhage in nAMD is presented with short-term efficacy.

## Key findings

- Mean BCVA improved significantly over six months following treatment.
- Eight out of ten eyes showed restoration of foveal contour.
- No major adverse events were observed in the treated cases.

## Abstract

Purpose: We aimed to present the clinical outcomes of a combined pharmacological and gas-assisted treatment for sub-macular haemorrhage secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Methods: This retrospective case series included ten eyes with sub-macular haemorrhage (SMH) treated between January 2024 and September 2025. All patients received intravitreal alteplase (100 µg) and C3F8 gas, followed by aflibercept (2 mg or 8 mg) within a treat-and-extend regimen. BCVA- and OCT-based anatomical changes were recorded at baseline, 7–14 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. BCVA changes were analysed using repeated-measures testing. Results: Mean BCVA improved from 0.99 ± 0.21 logMAR at baseline to 0.89 ± 0.20 at 7–14 days, 0.80 ± 0.20 at 1 month, 0.60 ± 0.18 at 3 months, and 0.53 ± 0.20 at 6 months (p < 0.05 for overall change). Eight eyes (80 percent) showed restoration of foveal contour, while two developed foveal atrophy. No major adverse events occurred. Conclusion: Combined intravitreal alteplase and C3F8, followed by aflibercept, may provide favourable short-term visual and anatomical improvement in SMH secondary to nAMD. Early intervention appears beneficial, but larger controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.