Prognostic Optical Coherence Tomography Biomarkers in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography has revolutionized the diagnosis and management of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. OCT-derived biomarkers have the potential to further guide therapeutic advancements with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor; however, the clinical convergence between these two tools remains suboptimal. Therefore, the aim of this review of literature was to examine the current data on OCT biomarkers and their prognostic value. Thirteen biomarkers were analyzed, and retinal fluid had the strongest-reported impact on clinical outcomes, including visual acuity, clinic visits, and anti-VEGF treatment regimens. In particular, intra-retinal fluid was shown to be associated with poor visual outcomes. Consistencies in the literature with regard to these OCT prognostic biomarkers can lead to patient-specific clinical decision making, such as early-initiated treatment and proactive monitoring. An integrated analysis of all OCT components in combination with new efforts toward automated analysis with artificial intelligence has the potential to further improve the role of OCT in nAMD therapy.