A pilot image-based analysis of changes in pigment epithelial detachment composition in neovascular age-related macular degeneration

We report changes in pigment epithelial detachment composition indices (PEDCI), derived using an automated algorithm, in six eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) through 84 months. Changes in serous, neovascular, and fibrous components (PEDCI-S, N, and F, respectively) were compared. PEDCI-S reduced from 0.60 ± 0.21 (baseline) to 0.17 ± 0.20 (84 months; P = 0.03). PEDCI-N showed a significant increase from 0.30 ± 0.15 to 0.71 ± 0.21 (P = 0.01), whereas PEDCI-F changed minimally (0.10 ± 0.09 to 0.13 ± 0.11; P = 0.69) at 84 months. Overall, PEDCI-S showed a gradual reduction, whereas PEDCI-N increased relative to other constituents through 84 months. PEDCI-F, a surrogate marker of scarring, was not predictive of final visual acuity.