Patient Experiences of Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injections for Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Meta-Synthesis of Qualitative Studies

Aim: To synthesize evidence from qualitative studies on patients receiving intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections for age-related macular degeneration to explore their treatment burdens and life experiences. Methods: Five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL) were searched on 20 May 2025, with supplementation through hand-searching. The search was restricted to qualitative or mixed-methods studies published in English. The included studies were evaluated and synthesized by two independent reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools and the JBI aggregative integration method. Results: Thirteen studies (2010– 2023) from 11 countries were summarized into four themes: barriers to treatment and sources of anxiety, coping strategies and adaptation mechanisms, drivers of treatment adherence, and the impact of doctor-patient engagement. Conclusion: Patients with age-related macular degeneration face significant physical, emotional, and logistical challenges during anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. A series of measures can be integrated into the treatment process to improve patient adherence, including psychological support, structured patient education, and optimized treatment pathways. Registration: PROSPERO CRD420251059151.