Abstract
Background: Early identification of AMD can lead to prompt and more effective treatment, better outcomes, and better final visual acuity; several risk scores have been devised to determine the individual level of risk for developing AMD. Herein, the Delphi method was used to provide recommendations for daily practice regarding preventive measures and follow-up required for subjects at low, moderate, and high risk of AMD evaluated with the Simplified Test AMD Risk-assessment Scale (STARS®) questionnaire. Methods: A steering committee of three experts drafted and refined 25 statements on the approach to be recommended in different clinical situations [general recommendations (n = 2), use of evaluation tools (n = 4), general lifestyle advice (n = 3), and AREDS-based nutritional supplementation (n = 5)] with the help of a group of international experts, all co-authors of this paper. Thirty retinal specialists from Europe and the US were chosen based on relevant publications, clinical expertise, and experience in AMD, who then provided their level of agreement with the statements. Statements for which consensus was not reached were modified and voted upon again. Results: In the first round of voting, consensus was reached for 24 statements. After modification, consensus was then reached for the remaining statement. Conclusion: An interprofessional guideline to support preventive measures in patients at risk of AMD based on STARS® scoring has been developed to aid clinicians in daily practice, which will help to optimize preventive care of patients at risk of AMD.
Highlights
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a primary reason for blindness in Western countries [1,2,3]
Five statements were proposed for subjects at moderate risk of AMD, and six statements for those at high risk (Table 2)
The present Delphi consensus had the main objective of formulating a series of validated recommendations on ophthalmological follow-up and preventive measures to adopt for subjects with a low, moderate, and high risk of developing AMD evaluated with the
Summary
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a primary reason for blindness in Western countries [1,2,3]. Considerable progress has been made in the treatment of AMD, and in this regard, intravitreal injections of antiangiogenic agents have greatly changed the management of neovascular AMD [3]. While these agents can provide stabilization or even rapid improvement of visual acuity in the majority of patients at the start of treatment, the longterm results regarding visual acuity and quality of life remain uncertain [4,5,6]. Identification of patients at risk of AMD is of significant clinical relevance, as it can lead to more effective treatment, better outcomes, and better visual acuity [7]. Results: In the first round of voting, consensus was reached for 24 statements
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
