Epiretinal membrane appearance or progression after intravitreal injection in age-related macular degeneration

Abstract

Background The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the appearance or progression of epiretinal membranes (ERMs) in age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and investigate confounding factors causing ERMs. Methods Seventy-six eyes that were treated for more than 36 months from the first anti-VEGF injection were assessed. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed between smoking, lens status, subretinal hemorrhage, posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) status, peripheral retinal degeneration, type of AMD, conditions of contralateral eye, and the number of injections as independent variables and appearance or progression of ERMs during 36 months as dependent variables. Results The presence of vitreomacular adhesion (VMA) or development of PVD during the observation period was significantly associated (Odds ratio [OR]: 5.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.72–19.4; p = 0.005) with the appearance or progression of ERMs. Moreover, peripheral retinal degeneration was significantly associated (OR: 3.87; 95% CI, 1.15–13.0; p = 0.029). Injection number of anti-VEGF was not significantly associated (OR: 1.02; 95% CI, 0.90–1.16; p = 0.72). Conclusion This study suggests possibilities that anti-VEGF injections alone are unable to cause the development of ERMs, that VMA or developing PVD has a prior impact on the developing ERMs in ARMD similar to that of idiopathic ERMs, and that peripheral retinal degenerations and vitreomacular adhesion were both related to ERMs development and pathogenesis of ARMD.

The effect of vitreomacular interface in neovascular age-related macular degeneration treated with intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF

“…It seems that VMIA contributes more to the development of ERM. Some researchers believe that chronic vitreous traction caused the migration of glial cells, macrophages, or pigment epithelial cells, and leads to ERM, which further supports our findings [ 24 , 25 ].…”

Intravitreal conbercept injection with panretinal photocoagulation for high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy with vitreous hemorrhage

“…This may be indicative of a progression in the course of PDR itself or potentially linked to our therapeutic regimen. Further prospective research is warranted to validate this observation [48][49][50] . Throughout the course of treatment, potential occurrences such as new VH, exacerbation of pre-existing cataracts, and post-cataract development may contribute to a decline in the patient's visual acuity.…”