Real-World Outcomes and Choroidal Vascular Structural Changes After Switching to Faricimab in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

TL;DR

This study examines the effects of switching to faricimab in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration, finding improved vision and longer treatment intervals without changes in choroidal structure.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the anatomical and visual outcomes of switching to faricimab in nAMD patients.

Findings

Best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly after 6 months of faricimab treatment.

Central macular thickness decreased significantly during the 12-month follow-up.

Treatment intervals increased from 7.53 to 12.47 weeks after switching to faricimab.

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate choroidal structural alterations and evaluate the outcomes of switching to faricimab in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) previously treated with other anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies after 12 months of follow-up. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 30 eyes from 30 patients with nAMD who were switched to faricimab. The choroidal vascularity index (CVI), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (CST), and the presence of subretinal fluid, intraretinal fluid, and wet macula were assessed at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. Results: CVI remained stable during follow-up (p > 0.05). BCVA improved significantly after 6 months (p = 0.041), but not at 12 months (p = 0.075). A significant reduction in CMT was observed (p < 0.05). Additionally, wet macula improved after 12 months (p < 0.05). Moreover, treatment intervals increased from 7.53 ± 2.39 to 12.47 ± 4.51 weeks. Conclusions: Switching to faricimab in patients with nAMD previously treated with other anti-VEGF therapies was associated with anatomical improvement, extended treatment intervals, and short-term visual gains, while choroidal vascular structure was maintained. Nonetheless, additional studies are warranted to more comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of switching to faricimab, as well as the associated changes in choroidal vascular structure.

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