[Availability of resources for patients with wet age-related macular degeneration. Optimal study]

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the availability of resources for patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) in current clinical practice.

Methods: Observational, cross-sectional and multicenter study. Eligible subjects were ≥ 18 years old, with primary/secondary active subfoveal AMD-related choroidal neovascularization diagnosed 12-18 months prior to inclusion in the study.

Results: A total of 266 patients were included (39 centers). The mean age (SD) was 76.1 (8.1) years, of whom 55.6% were female. According to the investigator assessment a median (Q1-Q3) of 20.0 (10.0-50.0) patients were visited weekly. A mean of 100.0 (45.0-250.0) were currently under treatment mainly performed in operating rooms (61.5%). Centers had 1.0 (1.0-2.0) operating rooms available for treatment 2.0 (2.0-5.0) days/week. In 74.4% they were located on different floors/buildings from ophthalmology services. Waiting time until visit was 40.0 (30.0-60.0) min, and duration of treatment was 20.0 (15.0-50.0) min. The time between request until medical visit was 20.0 (15.0-30.0) days, and from diagnosis to treatment was 7.0 (5.0-10.0) days. Clinicians considered there was insufficient staff for examinations (84.6%), and treatment (46.2%). About 30.8% and 20.5% mentioned lack of diagnostic tools, such as optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography.

Conclusions: More resources for diagnosis and treatment of wAMD are required. These results, together with the current policy of reducing the budget in the Spanish Health System, could lead to possible delays in the diagnosis and treatment of wAMD.