Objective:
To evaluate the impact of epiretinal membrane (ERM) removal on anti-VEGF injection burden in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).
Approach:
- Study Design: A small retrospective study was conducted involving 12 eyes of 12 patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy with ERM removal after receiving intravitreal injections for at least a year.
Key Findings:
- Two-thirds of patients stopped or reduced anti-VEGF injections following surgery.
- The mean number of injections decreased from 7.58 before surgery to 4.33 after surgery (P=.009).
- Four patients stopped injections, four had a reduced injection burden, and four required an equivalent or greater number of injections.
- Mean time to resumption of injections among those who resumed was 16.4 weeks.
- Central retinal thickness decreased from approximately 328 μm to 288 μm, but the difference was not statistically significant (P=.092).
- Visual acuity did not change significantly (P=.081).
Interpretation:
The findings suggest that patients with treatment-resistant nAMD and coexisting ERM may experience reduced anti-VEGF treatment burden following vitrectomy with ERM removal.
Limitations:
- Small sample size.
- Treatment conducted by a single provider at a single site.
- Further studies are needed to determine the potential benefit of surgery in this population.
Conclusion:
Further research is necessary to validate these findings and assess the broader implications for treatment.
Sources:
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