Abstract

SO.07.09

Variations of autofluorescence of RPE in exudative AMD: predictive importance?

Heimes B., Lommatzsch A., Trieschmann M., Spital G., Pauleikhoff D.
Augenabteilung St.-Franziskus-Hospital, Münster

Objective: To evaluate the range of variation of fundus autofluorescence (AF) in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and choroidal neovascularisation (CNV). The Intensity of fundus autofluorescence (AF) reflects the activity and vitality of the RPE and so the AF pattern could be suitable as a predictive factor of anti-VEGF therapy.
Methods: AF images (Heidelberg Retina Angiograph) were obtained of 95 eyes (95 patients, mean 77.64 y.) with exudative macular lesion and associated drusen before therapy with intravitreal Bevacizumab. Increased, normal or decreased AF of a central area with a diameter of 500 and 1000 µm round the foveola were differed and compared to the development of central vision.
Results: Analysis of AF showed a significant difference in development of visual acuity of eyes with change of AF of the central 500 und 100 µm (Mann-Whitney-test, P500µm<0.001, p1000µm=0.003). Comparison of eyes with increased AF to the other eyes also resulted a significant difference of the follow-up of visual acuity (p<0.001).
Conclusions: These results show a large variability of the RPE-AF of exudative AMD lesions. The AF differences can probably be understood as different damages of the metabolism of the RPE. Besides they have apparently large influence on the chances of success of an anti- VEGF therapy, particularly eyes with initially increased central AF indicate a more unfavorable development of visual acuity.

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