Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Incidence, Prevalence, Treatment Outcomes and Quality of Life
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
Leena Palotie auditorium (101A) of the Faculty of Medicine (Aapistie 5A)
Topic of the dissertation
Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Incidence, Prevalence, Treatment Outcomes and Quality of Life
Doctoral candidate
Licentiate of Medicine Ida Korva-Gurung
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Medicine, Research Unit of Clinical Medicine
Subject of study
Ophthalmology
Opponent
Professor Kai Kaarniranta, University of Eastern Finland
Custos
Professor Nina Hautala, University of Oulu
Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: How common is it and how do the patients benefit from its treatment?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common cause for irreversible visual impairment in developed countries. Intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors have revolutionized the visual prognosis of neovascular AMD (nAMD). This thesis investigates the incidence, prevalence and treatment outcomes of nAMD, in addition to exploring its effects on quality of life (QoL).
In the first study, the prevalence and incidence of nAMD in the Oulu University Hospital district were evaluated. In the elderly populations, a nAMD prevalence of 3% was demonstrated. The incidence of nAMD increased notably within 15 years.
The second study showed long-term visual outcomes of nAMD patients treated with anti-VEGF agents in Oulu University Hospital. Visual acuity (VA) was stable or improved in 90% of the anti-VEGF treated eyes during follow-up.
For the third study, 95 newly diagnosed nAMD patients were followed-up for a period of 12 months to assess the impact of anti-VEGF treatment on health-related QoL (HRQoL). QoL concerning vision improved during the 12-month follow-up, whereas the overall HRQoL decreased.
In the first study, the prevalence and incidence of nAMD in the Oulu University Hospital district were evaluated. In the elderly populations, a nAMD prevalence of 3% was demonstrated. The incidence of nAMD increased notably within 15 years.
The second study showed long-term visual outcomes of nAMD patients treated with anti-VEGF agents in Oulu University Hospital. Visual acuity (VA) was stable or improved in 90% of the anti-VEGF treated eyes during follow-up.
For the third study, 95 newly diagnosed nAMD patients were followed-up for a period of 12 months to assess the impact of anti-VEGF treatment on health-related QoL (HRQoL). QoL concerning vision improved during the 12-month follow-up, whereas the overall HRQoL decreased.
Last updated: 31.5.2024