Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of visual impairment in older adults. In its exudative form, repeated intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents are required to control disease activity. A new formulation of aflibercept at a higher dose (8 mg) has been developed with the aim of extending the interval between injections.
This multicenter retrospective real-world observational study will evaluate the effect of switching to aflibercept 8 mg in patients with refractory or dependent exudative age-related macular degeneration. Clinical data collected during routine care will be analyzed to compare injection intervals, treatment burden, visual outcomes, anatomical outcomes, and safety before and after the switch.
Adults (≥18 years) with exudative (neovascular) age-related macular degeneration
Treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy for more than 1 year
Switched to aflibercept 8 mg before July 31, 2025
Injection interval strictly less than 12 weeks prior to switch
High myopia (axial length > 26 mm or spherical equivalent < -6 diopters)
Angioid streaks
Moderate or severe diabetic retinopathy
History of diabetic macular edema
Adult patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration followed in ophthalmology departments and private ophthalmology practices participating in the study.
Cohort
Retrospective
aflibercept 8 mg
DrugExposure of interest corresponding to a switch to intravitreal aflibercept 8 mg administered according to routine clinical practice for the treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration.
Change in intravitreal injection interval
Difference in the number of weeks between intravitreal anti-VEGF injections before switching to aflibercept 8 mg and after 12 months of treatment with aflibercept 8 mg, or at the last observed interval in case of switch to another molecule.
Injection-free interval without exudative recurrence
Difference in the longest injection interval without intraretinal or subretinal fluid before the switch and after 12 months of treatment with aflibercept 8 mg, or at the time of reswitch.
Number of intravitreal injections
Comparison of the total number of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections during the 12 months before versus the 12 months after the switch to aflibercept 8 mg.
Number of ophthalmology visits
Comparison of the number of ophthalmology consultations during the 12 months before and after the switch to aflibercept 8 mg.
Change in visual acuity
Comparison of best-corrected visual acuity measured in logMAR units before the switch and 12 months after the switch to aflibercept 8 mg.
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