Longitudinal Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Analysis of Nonexudative Macular Neovascularization in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Prognostic Biomarkers for Exudative Conversion
Current Eye Research, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1080/02713683.2026.2704361
- Dergi Adı: Current Eye Research
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Age-related macular degeneration, exudative conversion, macular neovascularization, optical coherence tomography angiography, prognostic biomarkers
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Purpose: To investigate the development of macular neovascularization (MNV) and its conversion to the exudative form in fellow eyes of patients with unilateral exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) over two years, identify prognostic factors, and assess retinal and choroidal vascular changes using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Materials and methods: This prospective cohort study initially enrolled 62 patients with exudative AMD in one eye and non-exudative AMD in the fellow eye. Thirty patients completed the two-year follow-up and were categorized into three groups: eyes with nonexudative MNV (neMNV) that developed exudative conversion (Group 1), eyes with stable neMNV without exudative conversion (Group 2), and eyes without detectable MNV (Group 3). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), OCTA parameters, MNV area/flow area and choroidal vascularity index were evaluated at baseline, one-year, and two-years. Results: Group 1 showed significant declines in mean BCVA and choriocapillaris flow area (p = 0.042 and p = 0.022). Group 2 exhibited a reduction in outer retinal flow area with increased superficial capillary plexus vascular density in parafoveal and temporal regions (p = 0.011, p = 0.008, p = 0.021). Group 3 demonstrated an increase in pigment epithelial detachment (PED) width (p < 0.001). When between and within groups changes over 2 years were analyzed, Group 1 demonstrated greater increases in PED width and central macular thickness, along with reduced choriocapillaris flow area compared with the other groups. Group 2 showed a more pronounced reduction in outer retinal flow area and a significant increase in temporal superficial capillary plexus density relative to the remaining groups. Conclusion: In patients with unilateral eMNV, OCTA may provide prognostic biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of neMNV in fellow eyes with non-exudative AMD.