OCT Biomarkers May Predict Retinal Atrophy Risk in nAMD Patients: Study

Analysis was done on OCT data obtained at the time of the diagnosis of AFM (T0), following the first (T1) and third (T2) intravitreal aflibercept injections, and 5 years after the diagnosis (T3). 46 eyes from individuals receiving therapy were included in the research. Visual acuity (VA) development over time and the relationship between OCT characteristics and RA were assessed.

The patients with RA at T3 had a lower rate of recovery or stability at T2 (90.48% vs 56.00%, P=0.019) and T3 (85.71% vs 8.00%, P<0.001), as well as a poorer VA (35.19±5.7 vs 8.90±2.3, P<0.001).

Type 2 macular neovascularization (MNV; 4.76% vs 36.00%, P=0.013), a thinner outer nuclear layer (ONL, 88.89±7.82 µm vs 71.38±14.14 µm, P=0.033), intraretinal fluid (IRF, 42.86% vs 80.00%, P=0.014), IRF without subretinal fluid at T0 (SRF, 4.76% vs 32.00%, P=0.027), and decreased central foveal thickness at T3 (CFT, 190.14±22.79 µm vs 124.32±14.35 µm, P<0.001) were all associated with the development of RA at T3.

Both groups had similar levels of SRF with or without IRF at diagnosis (90.48% vs. 68.00%; P=0.084). Overall, the significance of these OCT characteristics in early risk assessment and management methods is highlighted by the fact that type 2 MNV lowers ONL and CFT, and the presence of IRF at baseline may indicate a greater risk of RA in treatment-naive AMI patients.

Source:

Gagliardi, O. M., Alisi, L., Visioli, G., Dini, F., Albanese, G. M., Scordari, S., Marenco, M., Lambiase, A., & Giustolisi, R. (2025). OCT predictors of retinal atrophy in neovascular age-related macular degeneration treated with aflibercept. International Journal of Ophthalmology, 18(4), 648–655. https://doi.org/10.18240/ijo.2025.04.11