Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Drugs for Retinal Angiomatous Proliferation in Real-Life Practice

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of intravitreal anti-VEGF in the treatment of retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) in real life practice in seven Italian centers. METHODS: Clinical data of 95 eyes of 95 patients affected by RAP, regularly followed up and treated with either intravitreal ranibizumab or bevacizumab over 12 months were examined. After a loading phase of three consecutive injections, re-treatments were administered on the basis of persistence or recurrence of subretinal/intraretinal fluid on OCT or leakage on FA. RESULTS: Overall, the mean BCVA changed from 0.66 to 0.53 LogMAR (p: 0.0003): 36.8% of eyes gained at least 3 ETDRS lines, whereas 13.7% lost more than 3 lines at the end of the follow-up. Mean CRT improved from 384μm at baseline to 262μm at the 12-month examination (p<0.001). 68.4% of eyes showed serous pigment epithelium detachment (PED) at baseline, which was still visible in 30.5% at the end of follow-up. The mean number of injections was 4.4 over the follow-up. A significantly greater proportion of eyes showed resolution of PED when treated with ranibizumab (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment in routine clinical practice allows a notable improvement in visual function in patients affected by RAP. A limited number of anti-VEGF injections are generally required in most cases.