OBJECTIVES: To identify preference drivers in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

METHODS: nAMD patients, aged ≥50 years, undergoing anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment for at least 12 months, and were from Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, or the United States were included. Telephone interviews were conducted with participants.

RESULTS: Twelve patients (three from each country; six females) with a mean age of 69 were interviewed. Seven patients reported blurred vision as their first symptom. Eight treated patients considered nAMD to have a moderate impact (defined as some change to the ability to drive, work, or look after themselves) on their daily functioning. Performing hobbies was impacted in the majority of patients (n=7), as well as working (n=4), and ability to travel (n=4). Most patients experienced blurred vision (n=9), reduced central vision (n=8), issues in depth perception (n=8), reduced fine vision (n=6), and contrast sensitivity (n=5) due to nAMD; of these, blurred (n=6) and reduced central vision (n=5) were considered essential to treat. Six patients reported relying on family and friends as the most burdensome emotional impact of nAMD. Patients expected treatment to help with reading (n=10), screen-based entertainment activities (n=8), and driving (n=7). Primarily, the level of efficacy (effect on symptoms) and duration of treatment effect drove treatment satisfaction. Non-invasive treatments (n=10) and overall time required for treatment visit (n=8) were the administration related bothers mentioned most frequently. Risk of injury to the eye (n=11), treatment discomfort (n=9), and risk of stroke (n=9) reduced treatment preference the most.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients’ experience several forms of vision related symptom bothers and daily functioning impacts owing due to nAMD. Determining the relative importance of symptom alleviation and treatment characteristics of patients with nAMD will contribute towards measuring improvements most relevant to patients’ quality of life in future clinical trials.