Real-world outcomes and treatment patterns in Colombian patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema

Background/Objectives: Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME) are the leading causes of vision loss worldwide, with significant public health implications in middle-income countries such as Colombia. Subjects and Methods: This retrospective study analyze...

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Main Authors: Joshua Kock, José D. Miranda, Farley Johanna Gonzalez-Patino, Sebastián Rojas, Luz E. Pérez, Jhon Edwar Bolaños, Carlos J. Bello, Jose D. Manga, Mauricio A. Hernández, Laura Prieto-Pinto
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2025-06-01
Series:The Pan-American Journal of Ophthalmology
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Online Access:https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/pajo.pajo_36_25
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Summary:Background/Objectives: Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME) are the leading causes of vision loss worldwide, with significant public health implications in middle-income countries such as Colombia. Subjects and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics of patients with nAMD and DME over a 10-year period. Antivascular endothelial growth factor therapies, the primary treatment for both conditions, were evaluated for adherence and visual acuity (VA) outcomes in a real-world clinical setting. Results: Mean (±standard deviation) injection rates for nAMD were 4.45 (±2.56) for aflibercept and 4.28 (±2.53) for ranibizumab, while DME rates were 4.87 (±3.10) and 4.62 (±2.99), respectively. Among eyes that completed the loading dose, the annual injection rates exceeded five, with VA gains of +2.73 letters (95% confidence interval [CI]: +2.04 to +3.41) on average. Substantial improvements were observed in patients with severe baseline impairment (≥20/200), gaining +12.5 letters (95% CI: +11.4 to +13.7). Conclusion: The findings emphasize the importance of adhering to recommended treatment regimens and suggest that strengthening patient education and logistical support, alongside novel therapies, could improve adherence and long-term visual outcomes for patients with these conditions in Colombia.
ISSN:2666-4909