EVOLUTION OF THE INDICATIONS FOR PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF WET AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION FROM 2018 TO 2025

Abstract

 Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an important cause of irreversible visual loss in older adults. This study aimed to analyze the evolution of the indications and use of pharmacological treatment related to wet AMD in the state of Paraná between 2018 and 2025. An ecological time-series study with a quantitative and descriptive approach was conducted using secondary data from DATASUS and the SUS Management System for the Table of Procedures, Medications, and OPM (SIGTAP). A total of 104,572 records linked to the procedure “Pharmacological Treatment of Retinal Disease” (03.03.05.023-3) were analyzed. The number of procedures increased from 1,790 in 2021 to 35,806 in 2025, corresponding to an approximate increase of 1,900%. In 2022, the scope of the procedure was expanded to include macular edema associated with diabetic retinopathy; the minimum age registered for the procedure changed from 60 to 18 years, and the outpatient reimbursement value was adjusted. This age-related change refers to the procedure code, not to the indication for AMD. The findings demonstrate a substantial expansion of intravitreal therapies in the SUS of Paraná, although the broadened indications prevent all records from being attributed exclusively to wet AMD.