Exudative age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is complicated by choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Although anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment is the gold standard treatment, recurrence is the main limitation of the treatment. The changes of the CNV vascular structure is expected to provide information regarding recurrence. In the eyes that the vascular structure is clearly seen in indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), the vascular changes after ranibizumab injections will be investigated prospectively.
For patients having exudative ARMD with CNV, whose vascular structures are clearly demonstrated in ICGA , ranibizumab is injected monthly three times, then pro re nata to 6 months. Vascular structures of CNV is investigated at baseline, 3 and 6 months using ICGA. Expected number of patients are 48 eyes from 4 centers, competitively.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
49
0.5mg of ranibizumab is injected into the vitreous cavity through pars plana.
Pusan National University Hospital
Busan, South Korea
Haeundae Baik Hospital
Busan, South Korea
Caliber of Choroidal New Vessel (CNV)
Caliber of the largest CNV is measured using a software of IVAN (developed by Wisconsin University) that measures a caliber of retinal vessels using a semi-automatic method. An indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) image showing the vascular structures of CNV was processed to invert black and white for the analysis. The image was loaded in the software, and the course of the arteriolar CNV was indicated manually. Then average thickness of the vascular segment was calculated.
Time frame: 6 months
Lesion Size of CNV
Lesion size of CNV is measured in fluorescein angiography using software, and find correlation with caliber of choroidal new vessels.
Time frame: 6 months
Visual Acuity in ETDRS Letters
Visual acuity was assessed using the ETDRS chart. The ETDRS chart includes 100 letters as the maximum possible score, and 0 letters read as the minimum possible score. Higher scores represents better functioning.
Time frame: 6 months
Visual Acuity Changes
Visual acuity is measured at baseline and 6 months using ETDRS chart. The changes was calculated by visual acuity at 6 months minus visual acuity at baseline. Positive values represent improvement of visual acuity, and negative values represent worsening of visual acuity at 6 months compared to baseline.
Time frame: baseline and 6 months
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