Quality of fixation in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration treated with ranibizumab.

AIMS

To define factors that determine the location and stability of fixation in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NV-AMD) treated with intravitreal ranibizumab injections.

METHODS

The location and stability of fixation using microperimetry were determined in 77 eyes treated with ranibizumab for NV-AMD for at least 12 months. All patients were treated with three injections of ranibizumab 0.5 mg, 1 month apart and retreated according to predefined criteria. The fixation parameters were correlated to the visual acuity, and quantitative measures on OCT.

RESULTS

The location of fixation was predominantly central in 52.6%, poor central fixation in 9.2%, and predominantly eccentric fixation in 38.2%. The fixation was stable in 65%, relatively unstable in 25%, and unstable in 10%. Visual acuity was the only factor that determined the stability and location of fixation. The characteristics of fixation were not related to the macular thickness or volume as measured by OCT.

CONCLUSIONS

Better visual outcome ensures central and stable fixation. Quantitative measures of OCT parameters do not determine fixation. Further studies on morphological features of the macula may provide some insight into the determinants of fixation.