Controversies, Consensuses and Guidelines on Etiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Future Developments of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (nAMD) by the Asia-Pacific Vitreo-retina Society (APVRS), the Asia-Pacific Ocular Imaging Society (APOIS) and the Academy of the Asia-Pacific Professors of Ophthalmology (AAPPO).

Abstract

Neovascular age-related degeneration (nAMD) is one of the leading causes of visual impairment in older populations in the developed world. With the aging population, the incidence of nAMD is growing globally. Despite advancements in diagnostic investigations and treatment modalities over the past three decades, there remains considerable controversies in the pathogenesis, classification and optimal management strategies. An international panel of 35 experts from 13 countries/regions prepared and voted on consensus statements in five key areas: 1) etiology controversies; 2) diagnosis controversies; 3) treatment controversies; 4) future development controversies; and 5) healthcare deliveries controversies. Among the 31 consensus statements, 28 (90.3%) have achieved over 75% agreement. These statements can provide a practical guide for ophthalmologists to provide the optimal care of patients with nAMD and for planning future research priorities in order to address the unmet needs in nAMD.