OCT types of subretinal membranes in wet form of AMD and their impact on treatment

Abstract

In the recent years OCT-A emerged as a new trend in the development of the OCT technology, giving us the opportunity to judge not only of the morphology of the retina, but also of the retinal blood flow and vessels. Aim: The aim of our survey was to show the diagnostic abilities of OCT-A in patients with wet AMD, and to evaluate the characteristic features of the neovascular membranes. Material and methods: In our survey 11 patients with wet AMD were enrolled. They all were ophthalmologically tested for VA, fluorescein angiography, OCT-A (Angiophlex, Zeiss). The ОСТ-А scans were examined in details and the characteristic features of the subretinal membranes were estimated. Results: In 5 patients with wet AMD type 1 of neovascular membranes has been detected. The new vessels emerged form the choroid, penetrated Bruhs membrane and were localized beneath the RPE. Type 2 of neovascular membranes was found in 4 patients. In that case the lesion originated again from the choroid but it passed trough the Bruch’s membrane and RPE and developed between RPE and neurosensory retina. In 2 patients type 3 – RAP lesions were found. In these cases the lesions originated from the deep retinal plexus. In 20% of the patients with quick progression of the disease well outlined neovascular membranes – lace or sea fan type, with branching new capillaries and anastomoses has been found. Discussion: ОСТ-А gives us the possibility to see clearly the structure of the subretinal membranes. Our results show that in all patients with branching, tiny, young capillaries, rapid progression of the disease is observed which requires immediate action and adequate therapy.