Short-term efficacy and safety of transcleral lutein iontophoresis in patients with intermediate amd and reticular pseudodrusen: A retrospective study

Background There is limited data available on the efficacy and safety of Transscleral Lutein Iontophoresis (TSLI) in patients with intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD) and reticular pseudodrusen (RPD). Methods This retrospective multicentre study evaluated the functional and morphological outcomes of TSLI in patients with stage 2 and stage 3 iAMD with RPD. Autofluorescence (AF), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA), Intraocular Pressure (IOP), Macular Sensitivity (MS) and adverse events, were recorded at baseline, 1 month and 3 months follow-up after treatment. Results Thirty eyes from 30 patients, (15 ♂: 15 ♀), mean age (70.3 ± 7.8 years) were included. BCVA improved significantly, from mean baseline 65.6 ± 8.6 ETDRS letters to 66.9 ± 8.0 at 1 month and 69.1 ± 7.8 at 3 months (ANOVA, p < 0.0001, respectively), along with MS, (ANOVA p < 0.001). There was a significant increase of stage 1 RPD ( p = 0.002) and a decrease in stage 3 RPD ( p = 0.020). The Outer Nuclear Layer (ONL) thickness increased significantly (ANOVA, p < 0.0001). No adverse events were recorded. Conclusion TSLI appears to be an effective, safe technique in patients with iAMD and RPD, leading to structural and functional improvements in short-term follow-up.