Retinal nerve fibre layer and ganglion cell layer thickness changes following intravitreal aflibercept for age-related macular degeneration. (2nd January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gunay, Betul Onal; Esenulku, Cenap Mahmut
• Is Part Of: Cutaneous and ocular toxicology. Volume 41:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 91
• Page End: 97
• Publication Date: 2022-01-02
• Subjects: Aflibercept -- ganglion cell layer thickness -- retinal nerve fibre layer thickness; Dermatotoxicology -- Periodicals; Ocular toxicology -- Periodicals; Ocular pharmacology -- Periodicals; Dermatopharmacology -- Periodicals; Toxicology -- Periodicals; 615.9
• DOI: 10.1080/15569527.2022.2034843
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1556-9527

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the effect of intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) injections on peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFLT) and macular ganglion cell layer thickness (GCLT) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients during a 1-year follow-up. Methods: This is a prospective study including 34 patients who were treated with aflibercept for treatment-naive nAMD. Following a loading phase of 3-monthly aflibercept, re-injections were performed on a pro re nata regimen for 12 months. Best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and spectral-domain-optical coherence tomography analysis were performed at baseline and 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months following treatment. Peripapillary RNFLT and macular GCLT along with the central macular thickness (CMT) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) were evaluated at each visit. Results: Mean number of aflibercept injections was 6.0 ± 1.8. Significant thinning was observed at the central macular ganglion cell layer and at 1 mm superior, temporal, and nasal ganglion cell layer compared to baseline at 1-year ( p < 0.05). No significant change of RNFLT was shown ( p > 0.05). Mean CMT and SFCT were significantly reduced after IVA therapy ( p < 0.05, for both). No correlation was found between injection number and GCLT change. Conclusions: Intravitreal aflibercept caused significant ganglion cell layer thinning during a 1-year follow-up without any changes in RNFLT. Intravitreal aflibercept itself may have a chance to induce decreased GCLT in nAMD patients.