To-date there have been only very few studies to examine the effect of cataract surgery to patients with wet age-related macular degeneration. The evidence on the effects of cataract surgery in such patients suggests improvement of their visual function and quality of life, but at the same time a subclinical susceptibility to macular edema and exacerbation of the choroidal neovascularization. Therefore it is highly important to identify the optimum treatment regime, pursuing the best anatomical and functional postoperative results.
To-date there have been only very few studies to examine the effect of cataract surgery to patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), especially in the era of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy. Furthermore the issue of optimum treatment regimen that should be used in the peroperative period has never been addressed. Since the human life expectancy gradually increases, the number of patients who are under anti-VEGF intravitreal injections for wet AMD will be increasing accordingly. Cataract surgery in such patients, despite guarded prognosis has been proved to improve their visual function and quality of life. On the other hand, it has been shown that cataract surgery induces anatomic changes based on optical coherence tomography analysis, suggesting a subclinical susceptibility to postoperative cystoid macular edema or exacerbation of choroidal neovascularization. Therefore it is highly important to identify the optimum treatment regime, pursuing the best anatomical and functional postoperative results.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
16
Intravitreal Ranibizumab is approved for the treatment of wet AMD. In this study we will compare an intensive injection protocol versus the standard treat and extend protocol in wet AMD patients undergoing cataract surgery.
Ophthalmica Eye Institute
Thessaloniki, Kalamaria, Greece
RECRUITINGVisual acuity change from baseline
Difference in visual acuity change from baseline at the end of the follow-up period.
Time frame: 12 months
Difference in the number of injections
Difference in the number of injections at the end of the follow-up period.
Time frame: 12 months
Status of the macular degeneration based on optical coherence tomography parameter, as compared to baseline
The status of the age-related macular degeneration will be evaluated based on optical coherence tomography parameters at the at final follow-up and compared to the baseline. Our main focus is to identify any subfoveal scarring and/ or subfoveal atrophy that may develop during the follow-up and assess changes from the baseline state of the macula.
Time frame: 12 months
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.