Ophthalmology

As wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) progresses, choroidal thickening is hypothesized to occur. However, some studies also report choroidal thinning in eyes with wet AMD. This study, published in QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, sought to clarify the relationship between choroidal thickness and choroidal neovascularization using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The study used data from 33...

Anti-VEGF intravitreal injections are used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This meta-analysis, published in Ophthalmic Research, examined the available research on the genetic polymorphism of ARMS2 A69S conferring susceptibility to AMD with response to anti-VEGF therapy. Data were gathered through electronic databases and keyword searches. A total of 21 publications were selected for meta-analysis....

Patients are increasingly turning to the internet as a source of information on health issues. However, no standard currently exists across public websites on how to provide information about age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to patients. This cross-sectional study, published in Seminars in Ophthalmology, examined the quality and readability of free online information on AMD. The study...

Aflibercept is an anti-VEGF treatment used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, patient response to aflibercept and other anti-VEGF treatments can vary. This prospective study, published in Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy, analyzed the anatomical and functional recovery of the retina following aflibercept therapy.  The study relied on data from 33 eyes of 33 patients...

As part of the efforts to end the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, ophthalmologists were advised by the American Academy of Ophthalmology to limit close contact with patients unless providing urgent or emergency care. As a result, many patients had appointments canceled and experienced gaps in their treatment. This article, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, describes complications resulting from...

Despite the use of anti-VEGF treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the relationship between anti-VEGFs and retinal atrophy remains inconclusive. This case series study, published in the European Journal of Ophthalmology, analyzed 13 eyes from 10 patients that received anti-VEGF injections who had good visual acuity despite having retinal atrophy.  The study was conducted at...

Although current treatments can decrease the rate at which age-related macular degeneration (AMD) progresses, they cannot reverse its progression to wet AMD. This article, published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, identified risk factors for AMD with the aim of decreasing or delaying the development of AMD.  The authors explained that the risk factors for AMD...

Anti-VEGF intravitreal injections are effective in treating wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, longer-lasting anti-VEGF agents are needed to reduce the burden associated with intravitreal injections. This study, published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, sought to evaluate the use of non-viral gene therapy to treat choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in rats using the anti-VEGF agent aflibercept or...

Anti-VEGF intravitreal injections for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are effective but burdensome for patients. This study, published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, sought to evaluate the use of three non-invasive VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in treating choroidal neovascularization in mice.  The researchers studied three TKIs, sunitinib, pazopanib, and axitinib, in mice with laser-induced choroidal...