Optimizing the Treatment Strategy for Age-related Macular Degeneration

First the individual interval between the injections of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) is established by observing the time from the loading dose to recurrence of the disease. The patient will come to control every four weeks to establish this interval. Second, the patient will receive injections at intervals that are two weeks shorter than the observed period. 2-3 injections are given before the next control. The control should be no later than six months ahead.

At the first control 4 weeks after the loading dose, the ophthalmologist assesses whether the macula is still wet or whether the macula is dry. In case of wet macula, the patient receives a new injection on the same day and a new control in 4 weeks. If the macula is dry, the patient will return in 2 weeks for the next injection, ie the injection interval is extended from 4 to 6 weeks. Patients will be controlled every time they are to receive an intravitreal injection. If the macula is dry, the injection interval will be extended by 2 weeks and if the macula is wet the interval is shortened by 2 weeks. The shortest interval will be 4 weeks.