Understanding Patient Perspectives of Anti-VEGF Treatment Experience and Effect in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Purpose: Understand patients' perspectives of intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy efficacy for exudative age-related macular degeneration (eAMD). Methods: 107 patients receiving intravitreal anti-VEGF injections in an academic retina practice completed a 28-question survey during their clinic visit. IRB approval and patient consent was obtained. Results: 61 patients (85 eyes) with eAMD were analyzed. Vision improved 3 lines in Snellen acuity in 19% (16/85), remained stable within 3 lines in 66% (56/85), and worsened by 3 lines in 15% (13/85). 38% of patients (23/61) perceived improvement in their vision, 21% (13/61) were uncertain, and 41% (25/61) felt no improvement. There was a statistically significant correlation between the objective effect of treatment on vision and the patients' perception of the effect in bilaterally treated patients (p-value: 0.000) and borderline significance in unilaterally treated patients (p-value: 0.052). Conclusion: Patients' subjective perceptions of anti-VEGF treatment on visual acuity were consistent with quantifiable changes.