Factors influencing the number of anti-VEGF injections in myopic choroidal neovascularization: a multicenter study.

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the factors influencing the number of injections in myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) as well as to identify the clinical features of patients who require a limited number of injections to inactive mCNV.

Methods: This retrospective study included 86 eyes (86 patients) affected by treatment-naïve mCNV who were treated with pro re nata anti-VEGF injections with a follow-up at 12 months. Patients underwent complete ophthalmic visits, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) both at baseline and at 12 months.

Results: Overall, the mean age of the study population was 62±14 years. The mean number of intravitreal injections administered in the 12-month study period was 4.28±2.17. The multivariate analysis showed an association of baseline Central Macular Thickness (CMT) and Best-Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) (p=0.02 and 0.036, respectively) while the final factors related to injections number were subretinal fibrosis and final BCVA (p<0.001 and p=0.022, respectively). Patients who required 1 or 2 injections showed significant clinical differences in OCT, OCTA and clinical parameters in comparison to patients who require more injections.

Conclusion: Baseline poorer BCVA and baseline higher CMT are significantly associated with the need of more injections to stabilize the clinical picture in eyes affected by mCNV.