Longitudinal study highlights peripheral retinal abnormalities in AMD
A new ancillary study from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2, provides valuable insights into peripheral retinal abnormalities in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Using ultrawide field (UWF) imaging, the study tracked changes over a 5-year period.
This longitudinal analysis included 137 participants (265 eyes) with gradable UWF color and autofluorescence images captured at year 5 (Y5) and year 10 (Y10). Images were evaluated at the Wisconsin Reading Center for both macular and peripheral AMD features using a 3-zone grid.
Key Findings:
- Central AMD Features: The severity of central AMD (zone 1) increased over time, with neovascular AMD prevalence rising from 28% at Y5 to 37% at Y10.
- Peripheral AMD Abnormalities: Drusen remained highly prevalent in zone 2 (99% at both Y5 and Y10). Non-AMD features such as cobblestone degeneration and reticular pigmentary changes increased from 19% to 30% and 25% to 33%, respectively.
- Autofluorescence Patterns: A reticular autofluorescence pattern was observed in 22% of eyes at Y5 and 39% at Y10, with some changes extending beyond the macula. Geographic atrophy prevalence and size also grew, affecting 53 eyes (3.4 mm² average) at Y5 and 91 eyes (7.7 mm² average) at Y10.
The study underscores the panretinal nature of AMD, with peripheral abnormalities frequently accompanying macular changes. However, these peripheral features were not linked to an increased risk of progression to late AMD, such as neovascular AMD or geographic atrophy.
Reference
Froines CP, Pak JW, Agrón E, et al. Longitudinal Assessment of AMD using Ultrawide Field Imaging – The Optos PEripheral RetinA (OPERA) Follow-up Study. Ophthalmology. 2024;S0161-6420(24)00749-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2024.11.024. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39617059.
