Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition affecting people age 50 years and older that is associated with central vision loss, which affects one's ability to read, drive, or see someone’s face if it progresses to more advanced stages.
Treatment
Dry AMD
There is no treatment available yet that can either halt the progression or recover vision loss from dry AMD. Certain Anti-Oxidants vitamins and minerals had a clinically proven benefit in reducing the risk of progression of dry AMD to more advanced stages.
Based on epidemiologic studies, certain lifestyle and nutritional changes may be beneficial. Based on what is known to date, the following recommendations may be made in improving the prognosis of dry AMD:
- Stop Smoking. Smoking has been associated with vision loss and more advanced forms of AMD.
- Eat A Diet Rich In Colourful Vegetables And Fruits. These food groups have been associated with lower rates of progression to advanced AMD and contain anti-oxidants (eg. lutein) which may slow progression of disease.
- Control Blood Pressure. High blood pressure is associated with more advanced AMD.
- Be Physically Active. People with AMD who are physically active several times a week may reduce their risk for progression to advanced AMD and vision loss.
Wet AMD
In the past, laser-based therapies were used to target the abnormal blood vessels that cause wet AMD. However, the laser burns typically resulted in scarring and damage to central vision. Fortunately, there are now anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medications available for the treatment of wet AMD. These medications, injected into the eye as an office-based procedure, are currently the preferred therapy for wet AMD due to their unprecedented efficacy. They represent the first therapy that has ever been clinically proven to help improve vision in a substantial proportion of patients with wet AMD.
Timing is important, as earlier identification and treatment of wet AMD is associated with better visual outcomes.
- Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (anti-VEGF) Agents
Injection of medicines (anti VEGFs) into the eye is done to reduce inflammation or to avoid the formation of new blood vessels. Available anti-VEGF drugs include: Avastin (Bevacizumab), Eylea (Aflibercept), Accentrix (Ranibizumab).
- Laser Photocoagulation
In uncommon, specific cases laser photocoagulation may be used. Thermal laser treatment attempts to heat and destroy choroidal neovascularization but also damages overlying vision cells to some degree. Accordingly, this procedure is typically considered only when the abnormal blood vessels are far from the center of the macula.
Our State-Of-The-Art Equipment for Wet AMD Treatment
- Slit Lamp Biomicroscopy ( Zeiss, Germany)
- Indirect Ophthalmoscope ( Heine, Germany)
- Optical Coherence Tomography OCT (Nidek, Japan)
- Digital imaging DI / Fluorescein Angiography FFA (Zeiss VISUCAM 500, Germany)
- Green Laser (Zeiss, Germany)
We at Sood Eye Care, have specialist Vitreo Retinal surgeons with an experience of over a decade in the treatment and management of Retinal Procedures with the World Class Technologies and Equipment. To schedule an Appointment, Contact Us on +91 872 598 7940.<