Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)


Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in people over 50 years of age in the Western World. It gradually impairs central vision, and as a result, both near and distance vision are impaired. Therefore, affected patients are unable to read, watch TV and recognize faces. The impaired vision associated with AMD also increases the risks of falls and injuries which significantly reduces the quality of life.

There are two types of AMD, ‘dry’ and ‘wet’. Dry AMD is responsible for 90% of cases whereas ‘wet’ AMD accounts for 10% of cases. Wet AMD is associated with significant loss of central vision if left untreated, but if detected early, it is treatable in the majority of cases with preserving or improving vision in 90% of patients

One of the contributing factors for wet AMD is a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF causes new weak blood vessels to grow and leak, damaging central vision.

Anti-VEGF therapies stop further damage to the eye and can even repair some of the damage that has occurred. Anti-VEGF therapy is injected into the eye with multiple injections performed over a number of months.

Anti-VEGF treatment of wet AMD results in preserving or improving vision in 90% of patients if detected and treated early. Thanks to the available specialised equipments in the Eye Practice, patients with wet AMD can be diagnosed and treated in a timely manner.

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