PU Conference Series: Euretina 2018

" The question is no longer whether we can improve vision in patients with neovascular AMD. The real question is whether we can keep their vision at a level compatible with activities of daily living. "

we can stabilize and improve vision to a level previously thought unfathomable." EURETINA has now published its 2018 update and recommendations on intra- vitreal injections in Ophthalmologica . The update notes that these injections have become the most common intraocular procedure in the world and usage is increasing annually. It is reported, that over 4 million intravitreal injections were performed in the U.S. in 2013, rising further to an estimated 5.9 million injections in 2016. Such use, the update notes, high- lights the need for practical guidelines based on the latest evidence in order to reduce possible risks and complications ranging from discomfort to severe compli- cations such as endophthalmitis or retinal detachment. The provision of this information is not intended to advocate any use not covered by the Product Information. Please check that the product is approved for use and always consult the Product Information before prescribing. www.practiceupdate.com/c/74021

improvement of ≥ 15 letters, 72.4% and 68.4% of eyes maintained a visual acuity within ± 15 letters of the baseline, and 8.8% and 11.1% of eyes lost 15 or more letters, at 12 months and 24 months respectively.” According to Raza Shah, MD, of Mid Atlantic Retina Specialists in Hagerstown, who was not involved in the study but com- mented on it for Elsevier's PracticeUpdate , "The question is no longer whether we can improve vision in patients with neovas- cular AMD. The real question is whether we can keep their vision at a level com- patible with activities of daily living. The key to doing this is early detection and home-monitoring. If we are able to detect disease earlier when vision is still good,

In total, 6882 eyes from 5,614 patients (61.4% female) were included in the study. The mean age at first injection was 79 (± 8.6) years. There were 2147 patients (31.2%) injected with ranibizumab, 2516 (36.6%) with aflibercept, and 2219 (32.2%) switched between agents during the data collection period. The researchers reported that the mean baseline visual acuity was 55.6 (± 16) let- ters. The mean visual acuity at 12 months and 24 months was 62.18 (± 17) and 62.8 (± 16) letters, respectively. A mean of 7.5 (± 2) injections were given during the first year, and 12.5 (± 4) injections were given over the total 24-month period. “Of the eyes included,” the research- ers stated, “18.8% and 20.5 % had an

EURETINA 2018 • PRACTICEUPDATE CONFERENCE SERIES 15