Neovascular age-related macular degeneration incidence

Method

Incident neovascular (exudative) age-related macular degeneration by stereoscopic fundus photograph grading, and/or documented anti-VEGF or photodynamic treatment for that indication.

The method is part of the endpoint identity. Studies measuring the same quantity by a different method are held as separate endpoints.

Notes

Will be confused with geographic atrophy, the other advanced form. The two are COMPETING outcomes -- an eye developing one is effectively censored for the other -- so an intervention can shift patients between them and a benefit here is not a benefit for advanced disease overall. PMID 31358387 found the ARMS2 risk allele modified this form specifically. Ascertainment also differs: this form is treatable and therefore enters treatment records, while atrophy frequently does not.