Influence of vitrectomyon the progressionof wet age related macular degeneration

Purpose. To study the effects of vitrectomy on the course of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Materials and methods. 99 patients (99 eyes) with wet AMD associated with vitreo-macular adhesion or posterior hyaloid traction were included in the study. During the first 6 months, all patients received anti-VEGF treatment according to a PRN regimen. Then, they were divided into two groups: in 45 patients vitrectomy was performed and 54 patients did not receive surgical treatment. The follow-up period duration was one year. Results. At the beginning of the study, visual acuity was 0.27 ± 0.17 in the control group, and 0.17 ± 0.15 in the treatment group. Most prominent differences in visual acuity between the two groups were observed during the first 6 months (visual acuity in the treatment group before surgery was 0.12 ± 0.1) (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001), at the same time during the following 6 follow-up months, this difference decreased (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01). 1 year from the study start, visual acuity in the control group was 0.24 ± 0.17, and 0.17 ± 0.13 in the treatment one. Conclusions. Vitrectomy surgery in patients with wet AMD in association with vitreo-macular adhesion or posterior hyaloid traction does not exacerbate the disease course, stabilizes visual functions and improves the quality of life.

age-related macular degeneration, vitrectomy, vitreous, vitreo-macular traction, quality of life