Macular ganglion cell complex changes in eyes treated with aflibercept for neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the effect of intravitreal aflibercept injection on macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Methods: In total, 36 eyes of 36 treatment-naive patients with nAMD (18 female and 18 male) and 36 eyes of 36 healthy subjects (20 female and 16 male) as controls were included in this retrospective study. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography images were evaluated after each injection for 3 months and at 12 months. Mean GCC thickness of the center, inner ring, and outer ring of the ETDRS grid was automatically quantified. Results: Mean foveal thickness was statistically significantly decreased at 3 months and at 12 months compared with baseline in the patient group. Ganglion cell layer thickness in the center was statistically significantly decreased in eyes with nAMD at baseline. There was a statistically significant decrease for mean retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, and inner plexiform layer thickness at 12 months compared with baseline. Conclusions: Macular GCC thickness was decreased after intravitreal aflibercept injection in patients with nAMD, in particular at 12 months.