Visual function response to ocriplasmin for the treatment of vitreomacular traction and macular hole

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of an intravitreal ocriplasmin injection on visual function, measured using visual acuity (VA) and vision‐related quality of life. METHODS: Post hoc analysis of prespecified secondary end‐points in two multicentre, randomized, double‐masked, phase 3 clinical trials. A total of 652 participants with symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion were enrolled, of whom 464 received a single intravitreal injection of 125 μg ocriplasmin and 188 received a single intravitreal placebo injection. Based on principal components analysis results, visual function response (VFR) was defined as either a VA improvement of ≥2 lines; or an improvement in the composite score of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ‐25) exceeding the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), estimated using the standard error of measurement approach; or an improvement in the VFQ‐25 driving subscale score exceeding the MCID. The main outcome measure was VFR at 6 months. RESULTS: A VFR occurred in 55.1% of the ocriplasmin group versus 34.2% of the placebo injection group (p < 0.0001). This comprised 23.7% versus 11.2% (p = 0.0003) with a ≥ 2‐line VA improvement, 35.9% versus 22.7% (p = 0.0016) for the VFQ‐25 composite score, and 10.2% versus 6.2% (p = 0.1697) for the driving subscale. CONCLUSION: Ocriplasmin produces a clinically meaningful visual function benefit.