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| Robert Kelly, M.D. Retinal Specialist |
If left untreated, Wet AMD causes progressive and irreversible vision loss, often leading to legal blindness. “With the use of Vascular Endothelial Growth (VEGF) Inhibitor injections such as Lucentis® and Eyelea®, with early detection and treatment we are able halt the progression of vision loss for a great majority of patients,” explained Dr. Kelly.
Today, we are fortunate to have data from several large randomized clinical trials that provide us with evidence-based recommendations for treatment indications and assessment, re-treatment, and monitoring. “The evidence suggests that a loading phase consisting of three monthly injections of VEGF inhibitor results in a rapid visual acuity gain, mostly occurring after the first injection. The key is that the treatment should start as soon as possible after its indication and if at all possible within 2 weeks from diagnosis is ideal, whereas to wait more than 1 month seems to lead to further visual loss,” continued Dr. Kelly. A number of clinical trials showed that a maintenance phase with continued monthly injections has provided the best visual acuity outcomes. Longer re-injection intervals, such as the quarterly re-injection, resulted in less favorable outcomes after the initial treatment and loading phase. If continued monthly injections are not possible, a flexible strategy appears viable, with monthly monitoring of lesion activity recommended. Continuous careful monitoring with flexible re-treatment might help avoid vision loss to recur. In fact, some data suggest that quarterly visits are insufficient, whereas monthly monitoring with re-injections on an as-needed basis warrants better outcomes.
So, using this information we are able to help you maintain your eye health and vision and hopefully avoid the potentially devastating effects of Wet Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). YOUR role is to be consistent in scheduling routine eye exams if you are over 50 years old or even earlier if you have a family history of AMD-and should you notice symptoms including distortion of your vision, waviness or curving of lines or straight surfaces or a sudden change or spots of any kind, please call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020 for an immediate appointment.
If you or someone you know has questions about the diagnosis or treatment of age related macular degeneration (AMD) or needs an eye exam for AMD, feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.
Center for Sight is conveniently located for patients seeking eye examinations and eye health vision exams for macular degeneration in Massachusetts or Rhode Island from Attleboro, Fairhaven, Fall River, Franklin, Mansfield, Marion, Mattapoisett, Medfield, Milford, New Bedford, North Attleboro, North Dartmouth, Norton, Oxford, Rehobeth, Somerset, Swansea, Taunton, Walpole, Whitinsville, Woonsocket, Providence, Smithfield, Westport, Lakeville, Dighton, Little Compton, and Tiverton.
