Potential in the treatment of neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Macular Edema in Poland. The population needs and access to therapy

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the situation of patients with neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration (nAMD) and Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) in Poland, in terms of health needs and availability of treatment. Methods: We collected data on the epidemiology of both diseases from the literature, as well as statistical data and data on medical services provided obtained from the National Health Fund. Results: Based on available data, it is difficult to precisely estimate the actual number of patients with AMD and DME in Poland. In 2021, in Poland over 130 000 patients used any medical service settled according to the ICD-10 codes: H35.0, H35.8 or H36.0. About 26% with AMD and 19% with DME required hospitalization. Despite the fact that in recent years the number of patients in the Drug Program offering access to best therapeutic standards (aflibercept or ranibizumab, and then also with brolucizumab) has been increasing, it is still a small percentage of those who could be treated. Conclusions: The analysis of data regarding the implementation of the AMD and DME treatment program in Poland indicates a large untapped potential. Despite the existence of a possibly large number of patients only a small number receives treatment.