Macular Degeneration
Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic disease that affects the macula which is a specialised part of the retina that provides central vision. Macular degeneration is painless and can cause progressive loss of central vision.
Broadly, there are two types of macular degeneration: Dry & Wet.
Dry AMD
In age related macular degeneration there is a build up of a waste product (drusen) under the retina. Dry macular degeneration typically develops slowly over years. In the early stages, there may be little impact on vision. As it progresses however, there can be gradual loss of retinal photoreceptors. When this happens a loss or change in central vision is often noticed.
Wet (neovascular) AMD
Wet macular degeneration tends to cause more sudden visual changes than dry age related macular degeneration. In wet AMD abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood. This causes damage to the macular photoreceptors and can lead to scar formation that affects the central vision.
Risk Factors for Macular Degeneration include:
- Increasing age
- Family history
- Smoking
Treatment of Macular Degeneration
There is no cure for macular degeneration. Treatment of macular degeneration depends on its subtype and severity. For dry macular degeneration dietary modifications and the use of nutritional supplements (eg. Macu-Vision Plus) are beneficial. Regular self-assessment with an Amsler grid is important to assess for any acute macular changes.
Fortunately for wet AMD there is treatment in the form of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGF) injections. Anti-VEGF medication blocks the activity of VEGF which is a protein that promotes the growth of the abnormal vessels under the retina.
Commonly used anti-VEGF medications include:
- Eylea (aflibercept)
- Vabysmo (faricimab)
- Lucentis (Ranibizumab)
Intravitreal injections are commonly administered every four weeks and then gradually the interval is extended depending on the response. Whilst the goal is to minimise the frequency of injections, often maintenance injections need to be given to reduce the chance of recurrence.
At Rockhampton Eye Clinic all the doctors are experienced is the effective treatment of macular degeneration and individualized treatment plans are tailored for each patient’s circumstances.
What to Expect with anti-VEGF treatment
After a diagnosis of wet AMD has been made, the doctor will formulate with you a treatment plan. Prior to administration of an anti-VEGF injection, a topical and local anaesthetic is generally used. You can return to most of your normal activities after anti-VEGF injections however you can expect your eye to be irritated for the first 24 hours or so. These symptoms often improve with the use of frequent preservative free lubricants.
If you have any significant eye pain or reduced vision after an eye injection we recommend you contact the clinic immediately to arrange further review.
As with all eye procedures, there are risks associated with ophthalmic procedures and these will be explained at the time of your consultation. If you have any concerns regarding your eye after your procedure we recommend you contact the clinic to discuss your symptoms and arrange review. If you are unable to reach the clinic or one of our doctors, please attend your nearest Emergency Department for review.
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