Disparities in Presentation and Anti-VEGF Therapy Initiation for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Strategic Insights -

A new study has shed light on the disparities in presentation and initiation of anti-VEGF therapy among patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Researchers from Thomas Jefferson University analyzed data from the American Academy of Ophthalmology IRIS Registry, revealing that male, Black, and Hispanic patients with nAMD presented at younger ages compared to their White counterparts. The study highlights the need for timely and equitable access to anti-VEGF therapy for patients with nAMD.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed data from 918,759 patients with nAMD, with 61.5% being female and 82.3% being White.
  • Male, Black, and Hispanic patients with nAMD presented at younger ages (P = 0.001) compared to their White counterparts.
  • The study found significant associations between demographic characteristics, presenting visual acuity (VA), and the initiation of anti-VEGF treatment.
  • Among the 918,759 patients with nAMD, treatment initiation with 1 anti-VEGF injections within 12 months after first presentation with nAMD was observed.
  • The study concluded that research in the area of age-related macular degeneration is crucial to understanding disparities in presentation and anti-VEGF therapy initiation.

Statistics:

  • 918,759 patients with nAMD were analyzed in the study.
  • 61.5% of the patients with nAMD were female.
  • 82.3% of the patients with nAMD were White.
  • Male, Black, and Hispanic patients with nAMD presented at younger ages (P = 0.001) compared to their White counterparts.
  • 1 anti-VEGF injection was initiated within 12 months after first presentation with nAMD for a significant number of patients.

Sources:

  • Disparities in Presentation and Anti-VEGF Therapy Initiation for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: An Analysis of the Academy IRIS Registry. Ophthalmology, 2025.
  • NewsRx. Studies from Thomas Jefferson University Add New Findings in the Area of Age-Related Macular Degeneration [Disparities in Presentation and Anti-VEGF Therapy Initiation for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: An Analysis of the Academy ...]. Health & Medicine Week. October 24, 2025; p 7454.
  • Elsevier Science Inc, Ste 800, 230 Park Ave, New York, NY 10169, USA.