[Health services for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration in Germany]

Abstract

In neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NVAMD) successful treatment outcome depends on regular intravitreal injections of vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (anti-VEGF). Several observational trials on the use of ranibizumab in the clinical routine demonstrated a low injection frequency, a low number of ophthalmic reviews which included optical coherence tomography, and suboptimal treatment outcomes in Germany. To date it remains unclear whether the use of ranibizumab reflects the use of all anti-VEGF agents including aflibercept and bevacizumab in the clinical routine in Germany. However, based on available data, treatment provision and outcomes seem to be suboptimal, in particular for elderly patients with NVAMD. As poorly treated NVAMD carries a high risk of loss of vision and ultimately blindness, service provision and treatment outcomes need to be improved.