What question did this study set out to answer?

March 2, 2026Open Access

SRF and SHRM in nAMD: Retrospective Analysis of Visual Prognosis

Key Points

This study investigates the correlation between subretinal fluid (SRF) and subretinal hyperreflective material (SHRM) with visual prognosis in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).
Conducted a retrospective analysis on 60 nAMD patients diagnosed between 2017 and 2024.
Administered monthly intravitreal anti-VEGF injections for the first three months, followed by PRN treatment for nine months.
Collected quantitative measurements of SRF and SHRM using OCT, alongside BCVA and CMT data.
After 12 months, significant improvement in BCVA, CMT, and SRF parameters was observed (P < 0.05).
Better visual acuity correlated with greater baseline SRF thickness (> 180 μm) (P = 0.034).
Persistent SHRM presence correlated with worse visual outcomes (P < 0.05).
SRF is a favorable prognostic indicator, while SHRM predicts poor visual outcomes (P = 0.001).

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between subretinal fluid (SRF) and subretinal hyperreflective material (SHRM) with visual prognosis in neovascular age related macular degeneration (nAMD). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 60 nAMD patients diagnosed at our ophthalmology department from March 2017 to December 2024. All patients received intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections monthly for the first 3 months, followed by pro re nata (PRN) treatment for the subsequent 9 months. Quantitative measurements of SRF and SHRM (height and width on OCT) were collected, along with patient demographics, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and central foveal thickness (CMT). Results: After 12 months of treatment, BCVA, CMT, and SRF parameters significantly improved (P 180 μm) was significantly associated with better final visual acuity (P = 0.034), while baseline SHRM presence correlated with worse final BCVA and CMT (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that SRF serves as a favorable prognostic indicator, whereas SHRM is a key predictor of poor visual outcomes (P = 0.001). Discussion: SRF and SHRM morphological features are linked to nAMD treatment response. SRF thickness positively correlates with visual improvement, serving as a prognostic indicator. Persistent SHRM, however, is associated with fibrotic components that may impair retinal function, making it a key parameter for poor outcomes. These findings align with prior studies, highlighting the importance of quantitative SRF and SHRM assessment in predicting treatment response. Conclusion: SRF and SHRM are clinically significant biomarkers in nAMD treatment, effectively predicting visual prognosis and guiding individualized therapeutic strategies. Their quantitative evaluation may aid in optimizing treatment tolerance strategies and improving real world clinical outcomes. Keywords: neovascular age related macular degeneration, subretinal fluid, subretinal hyperreflective material

Bookmark

View Full Paper

Cite This Study

Wu et al. (Sun,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69a528b3f1e85e5c73bf048b https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.2147/opth.s590001

Bookmark

View Full Paper