Consensus Nomenclature for Reporting Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Data: Consensus on Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Nomenclature Study Group

Ophthalmology. 2020 May;127(5):616-636. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2019.11.004. Epub 2019 Nov 14.

Abstract

Purpose: To establish a process to evaluate and standardize a state-of-the-art nomenclature for reporting neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) data.

Design: Consensus meeting.

Participants: An international panel of retina specialists, imaging and image reading center experts, and ocular pathologists.

Methods: During several meetings organized under the auspices of the Macula Society, an international study group discussed and codified a set nomenclature framework for classifying the subtypes of neovascular AMD and associated lesion components.

Main outcome measures: A consensus classification of neovascular AMD.

Results: The study group created a standardized working definition of AMD. The components of neovascular AMD were defined and subclassified. Disease consequences of macular neovascularization were delineated.

Conclusions: The framework of a consensus nomenclature system, a definition of AMD, and a delineation of the subtypes of neovascular AMD were developed. Establishing a uniform set of definitions will facilitate comparison of diverse patient groups and different studies. The framework presented is modified and updated readily, processes that are anticipated to occur on a periodic basis. The study group suggests that the consensus standards outlined in this article be used in future reported studies of neovascular AMD and clinical practice.

Publication types

  • Consensus Development Conference

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Bruch Membrane / pathology
  • Choroidal Neovascularization / classification*
  • Choroidal Neovascularization / diagnosis
  • Consensus
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Retinal Pigment Epithelium / pathology
  • Terminology as Topic*
  • Visual Acuity
  • Wet Macular Degeneration / classification*
  • Wet Macular Degeneration / diagnosis