Densitometric analysis of cornea in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration after intravitreal aflibercept loading dose

• Published in: Therapeutic advances in ophthalmology 2020-01, Vol.12, p.2515841420950857-2515841420950857
• Main Authors: Ucgul Atilgan, Cemile, Kosekahya, Pinar, Ozkoyuncu Kocabas, Dilara, Koc, Mustafa, Sakir Goker, Yasin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cornea; Macular degeneration; Microscopy; Original Research; Topography
• ISSN: 2515-8414; 2515-8414
• DOI: 10.1177/2515841420950857

Purpose: To evaluate the anatomic changes in the cornea and anterior segment following intravitreal aflibercept loading dose for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Methods: The study included 40 eyes of 40 patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Each patient underwent a loading dose of one injection per month for three consecutive doses of aflibercept (0.05 ml/2 mg). Before and after the loading dose, a record was made for each patient of corneal topography, anterior segment, corneal densitometry, and lens densitometry parameters with the Pentacam HR and specular microscopy parameters with a non-contact specular microscope. The data before and after the aflibercept loading dose were compared. Results: Corneal densitometry parameters in the 0- to 2-mm and 2- to 6-mm concentric zones of the posterior layer were significantly higher after the loading dose compared with baseline (p = 0.03, p = 0.04, respectively). Corneal densitometry parameters of the anterior, central, and total corneal layer in the 10- to 12-mm concentric zone were also significantly higher after the loading dose compared with baseline (p = 0.009, p = 0.02, and p = 0.007, respectively). No significant changes were determined in respect of corneal topography, anterior segment, lens densitometry, and specular microscopy parameters (p > 0.05 for all). Conclusion: The aflibercept loading dose caused slightly increased densitometric values in some corneal regions while it did not affect the corneal topography, anterior segment, lens densitometry, and specular microscopy parameters.