Early changes in retinal structures may predict AMD progression patterns

Changes in the ganglion cell complex (GCC) and choroidal thickness can serve as early indicators of progression patterns in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to a study that suggested these structural variations may help differentiate between atrophic and neovascular progression.

In this retrospective cohort study, data from 64 patients aged 50 and older with early or intermediate AMD, with no signs of advanced disease were analyzed. Patients were categorized into 4 groups based on the Rotterdam classification and underwent spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging at 2 time points over a minimum interval of 3 years.

The study found significant thinning of the GCC inner ring in the atrophic AMD group (51.3 µm) compared to early (84.3 µm), intermediate (77.6 µm), and neovascular AMD (88.9 µm) groups. Choroidal thickness also showed notable reductions in the central and inner regions across all groups, with more pronounced thinning in the inner ring for atrophic AMD (-13%).

Reference
Costa I, Carvalho A, Andrade H, et al. Neurodegeneration and choroidal vascular features on OCT in the progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration. Int J Ophthalmol. 2025;18(1):103-110. doi: 10.18240/ijo.2025.01.12. PMID: 39829629; PMCID: PMC11672087.

This content is independent editorial sponsored by Astellas. Astellas had no input in the development of this content.