Intravitreal faricimab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration previously treated with traditional anti-VEGF compounds: a real-world prospective study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy, safety and durability of intravitreal faricimab in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) with unsatisfactory response to traditional anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents. METHODS: Single-centre, prospective cohort study of all consecutive patients with nAMD who were switched to intravitreal faricimab from intravitreal ranibizumab or aflibercept, due to unsatisfactory treatment response (maximal fluid-free interval ≤ 8 weeks). Intravitreal faricimab was administered with a loading dose of four 4-weekly injections, followed by an 8-week extension. A treat and extend (T&E) regime was adopted thereafter. Primary outcome was the difference between the maximal fluid-free interval achieved with faricimab, and the one achieved before the switch. Morpho-functional outcomes were also assessed. Secondary outcome was accordance with clinical management when applying faricimab pivotal trial criteria versus our real-world T&E protocol, measured as a proportion. RESULTS: Twenty-six eyes of 26 patients with a median age of 82 years (range 77-85) were included. Patients were followed for 30.2 weeks (range 26.3-33.1). Maximal fluid-free interval after switch to faricimab (Mdn = 6.0 weeks; IQR = 4-8) was longer than the maximum interval before the switch (Mdn = 4.0 weeks; IQR = 4-4), p < 0.001. Comparing real-world T&E protocol with pivotal trial criteria, 8 (30.8%) eyes received the same clinical management while 18 (69.2%) eyes were kept at a shorter interval when following our T&E protocol. No serious adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Faricimab appears to increase the fluid-free interval and allow extension of dosing interval in patients with nAMD poorly responsive to traditional anti-VEGF drugs.

How to Set Up Genetic Counselling for Inherited Macular Dystrophies: Focus on Genetic Characterization.

Inherited macular dystrophies refer to a group of degenerative conditions that predominantly affect the macula in the spectrum of inherited retinal dystrophies. Recent trends indicate a clear need for genetic assessment services in tertiary referral hospitals. However, establishing such a service can be a complex task due to the diverse skills required and multiple professionals involved. This review aims to provide comprehensive guidelines to enhance the genetic characterization of patients and improve counselling efficacy by combining updated literature with our own experiences. Through this review, we hope to contribute to the establishment of state-of-the-art genetic counselling services for inherited macular dystrophies.

Comparison of visual performances of enhanced monofocal versus standard monofocal IOLs in a mini-monovision approach.

PURPOSE: To compare visual performance and quality of life in patients who received either monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) or an enhanced monofocal IOL in a mini-monovision target approach. BACKGROUND: Monofocal lenses are the most common intraocular IOLs employed during cataract surgery because of their relatively low cost and good performance for distance sight. However, these lenses, generally, do not exonerate patients from spectacle use for near or intermediate tasks. On the other hand, enhanced monofocal IOLs (e.g., Tecnis Eyhance®) feature optical properties providing patients with good intermediate visual outcomes. Satisfactory near visual acuity results, regardless of IOL type, may be achieved through mini-monovision. We assessed visual performance outcomes between these IOLs, in a mini-monovision approach. METHODS: Retrospective case series of patients who underwent bilateral cataract surgery at our institution with implantation of Alcon SN60WF, J&J Tecnis DCB00 or J&J Tecnis Eyhance® DIB00 with a pre-operative mini-monovision target. The postoperative spherical equivalent was measured by a Nidek® auto-refractometer. Best-uncorrected binocular visual acuity (BUBVA) at far (3 m), intermediate (66 cm), and near (40 cm) distance and binocular contrast sensitivity (100%, 25%, and 5%, all at 1 m) were measured using Snellen and Pelli-Robson charts, respectively. Visual performance in daily life was evaluated with the Cataract VF-14 quality of life survey. RESULTS: 71 patients (35 in the monofocal IOL and 37 enhanced IOL group) were enrolled. Patients implanted with enhanced IOL exhibited statistically significant better BUBVA results at 66 cm and 40 cm distances compared to patients in the monofocal group. Additionally, patients in the enhanced IOL group presented a better contrast sensitivity in lower contrast conditions (5%) than patients with monofocal IOL. The quality of life survey showed statistically significant higher scores in daily activities without spectacles for patients with enhanced IOL. CONCLUSION: Enhanced monofocal IOLs, combined with a mini-monovision approach, provided patients with good visual performance at all tested distances, with superiority of enhanced monofocal IOLs at near and intermediate distances.