Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Allows the Unification of Clinical Decision Making for the Evaluation of Choroidal Neovascularization Activity.

PURPOSE: This prospective observational clinical study investigated the benefits of spectral domain optical coherence tomography for specialists and residents in the management of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

PROCEDURES: The study involved 49 eyes of 44 patients. Patients were advised to present for reevaluation 4 weeks after the administration of the loading dose of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-inhibitors (3 intravitreal injections every 4 weeks after diagnosis). They were examined by residents (3-4 years' experience in ophthalmology) and specialists (> 5 years' experience). Each examiner evaluated the clinical situation and the spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scan. After each evaluation, the examiners independently stated if further anti-VEGF treatment was recommended. The "true outcome" was defined as the specialist decision based on clinical evaluation and SD-OCT.

RESULTS: Specialists and residents did not significantly differ in their accuracy in deciding on the correct treatment (p = 0.705 and p = 1), with or without the aid of SD-OCT. Both groups benefited from using SD-OCT to support their recommendations (p = 0.001 and p = 0.0002) and achieved a similar level of accuracy (p = 1 for difference).

CONCLUSIONS: Residents benefited more than specialists by using SD-OCT to substantiate their recommendation on how to manage exudative AMD after the administration of the loading dose.