Choroidal Neovascularization and Macular Hemorrhage: Real-World Experience During the New York City COVID-19 Lockdown

Abstract

Purpose:

This work reviews ocular, systemic, and demographic factors contributing to presentation of choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM)–associated macular hemorrhage after the New York City coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown.

Methods:

A retrospective, consecutive case series was conducted of all established patients presenting with macular hemorrhage between March 22, 2020, and August 10, 2020.

Results:

Fourteen patients (mean age 82.2 years) were evaluated. Ten patients had active CNVMs, 1 had an inactive lesion that was last injected 2 years prior, and 3 had new conversions from nonexudative age-related macular degeneration. In the actively treated CNVM group there was a delay in expected follow-up from 50.4 days to 125 days. Eight patients with previously active CNVM (73%) had a history of prior macular hemorrhage. Eight patients (57%) were on some form of antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy. Twelve patients (86%) had COVID-19–specific risk factors besides age, and all but 1 patient (93%) delayed care without discussion with a physician. Ten patients (71%) had more than 1 week of symptoms prior to presentation. Twelve patients (86%) had signs of CNVM on prior optical coherence tomography.

Conclusions:

Adequate documentation of potential risks for hemorrhage (particularly prior hemorrhage or presence of subclinical type 1 CNVM), as well as COVID-19–specific risk factors, would aid triage of clinic appointments in future lockdowns. High-risk patients would likely benefit from direct physician communication discussing their individual risk profiles to alleviate anxiety over clinic visits and communicate their risk of severe vision loss.