Fellow-eye neovascularization in unilateral retinal angiomatous proliferation in a Korean population.

Purpose: To evaluate the incidence of fellow-eye neovascularization in retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) in a Korean population and associated risk factors.

Method: This retrospective, observational study included 81 eyes (81 patients) diagnosed with unilateral RAP who were followed up for ≥12 months. The RAP diagnosis was based on an indocyanine green angiography reviewed by two retinal specialists. In fellow eyes experiencing neovascularization, the period between RAP diagnosis and neovascularization was compared between eyes with and without reticular pseudodrusen.

Results: The mean age (±standard deviation) of the 81 patients was 74.7 ± 6.1 years. The mean follow-up period was 27.8 ± 12.4 months. Fellow-eye neovascularization was noted in 31 patients (38.3%), and 24 of these (77.4%) was a RAP subtype. Fellow-eye involvement was noted within 12 months in 13 eyes (16.0%). The period between diagnosis and fellow-eye neovascularization was significantly shorter in eyes with reticular pseudodrusen (mean 13.8 ± 8.5 months) than in eyes without reticular pseudodrusen (mean 21.2 ± 9.1 months; p = 0.031).

Conclusion: In our cohort of unilateral RAP patients, fellow-eye neovascularization was noted in 38.3% in 27.8 months. The presence of reticular pseudodrusen in the fellow eye was closely associated with relatively early onset.