Computer-Based Visual Evaluation as a Screening Tool after Intravitreal Injections of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitors

Vol. 222, No. 6, 2008

Free Abstract Article (Fulltext) Article (PDF 167 KB)

Original Paper

Computer-Based Visual Evaluation as a Screening Tool after Intravitreal Injections of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitors
Carsten H. Meyer, Deborah J. Lapolice

Department of Ophthalmology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany

Address of Corresponding Author

Ophthalmologica 2008;222:364-368 (DOI: 10.1159/000151246)

Key Words

Intravitreal injection
Choroidal neovascularization
Age-related macular degeneration
Reinjection
Visual acuity, computer-based tests
Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the visual acuity (VA) of patients following intravitreal (IVT) injections. Methods: 15 patients received 3 anti-vascular-endothelial-growth-factor (VEGF) injections on a monthly basis. Prior to each injection as well as 2 months after, the patients received a standardized examination including Snellen VA and optical coherence tomography (OCT). During this time the patients were trained to evaluate their central VA by 3 computer-based tests: (a) VA was examined by the patient on a computer-based vision chart and (b) subjectively categorized as 'same', 'worse' or 'better'; (c) the edge of metamorphopsia was outlined on a digital Amsler grid. Results: VA improved during the 3 injections by 2 lines (13/15). The assessment demonstrated subjective improvement (13/15), i.e. a gain of 2 or more lines or decreased central metamorphopsia (12/15). Reevaluation 2 months later demonstrated a decline of 1 Snellen line or increased retinal thickness on OCT (8/15), and a decline of 1 line or an enlarged metamorphopsia in the computer-based tests (6/15). Conclusion: Our pilot study demonstrated a good correlation between the professional examination and the computer-based assessment. Selected patients can define their visual impairment. A web-based VA evaluation may help to screen patients after IVT injections on a regular basis at home.

Author Contacts

Carsten H. Meyer, MD
Universität Bonn, Universitäts-Augenklinik
Ernst-Abbe-Strasse 2, DE-53127 Bonn (Germany)
Tel. +49 228 287 15505, Fax +49 228 287 14817
E-Mail meyer_eye@yahoo.com

Article Information

Received: December 14, 2006
Accepted after revision: May 13, 2007
Published online: August 12, 2008
Number of Print Pages : 5
Number of Figures : 3, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 16

Medline Abstract (ID 18698145)

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