Discontinuing macular degeneration injections results in vision loss

A retrospective, observational study examined the data from 35 patients who had received anti-VEGF injections of the eye for treatment of the wet form of macular degeneration but then stopped treatment despite continued symptoms. Researchers found a notable deterioration in visual acuity over two years. Researchers looked at the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at the point where treatment was stopped and compared it to the BCVA at the 2 year mark. Not only was there substantial deterioration in visual acuity, but it was even more prominent in eyes that had intra-retinal fluid. Based on these findings, researchers are recommending doctors encourage their patients to continue treatments, especially if there is persistent or recurrent intra-retinal fluid. A loss of visual acuity can lead to a lesser quality of life.