This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
CAPT data sheds light on predictors of geographic atrophy
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
 Andrew P. Schachat |
KAANAPALI, Hawaii — Further review of the Complications of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Prevention Trial data has shown factors such as night vision difficulties and large bilateral drusen are predictors of future geographic atrophy, a speaker said here.
"Although [CAPT] did not show a reduced rate of developing [choroidal neovascularization] or preserving vision by doing laser treatment for drusen, we did learn a lot of information, and night symptoms are actually quite worrisome," Andrew P. Schachat, MD, moderator for the Management of Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration session at Retina 2011, said.
Data from CAPT demonstrated that when patients are monitored closely, many CNV lesions can be detected outside of the fovea while they are relatively small, and early detection may lead to improved long-term benefits in outcomes, according to Dr. Schachat.
Another useful finding from the initial CAPT papers was that patients' night vision symptoms served as a predictor for geographic atrophy and CNV development. Building on this, the CAPT researchers put together an article discussing risk points including night vision symptoms and smoking and hypertension status - which, when calculated, could reliably predict the development of geographic atrophy with about 80% certainty, Dr. Schachat said.
- Disclosure: Dr. Schachat has no relevant financial interest to disclose.
Hawaiian Eye and Retina 2012 will be held January 15-20 at the Grand Wailea Resort & Spa in Maui. Learn more at OSNHawaiianEye.com or RetinaMeeting.com.