There was a time when there was little to be done to improve or halt the progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Today, there are several options available to treat the rapidly progressive form of AMD. Although approximately 90% of AMD cases are the dry form, which causes a gradual vision loss due to aging of the macula, 10% of AMD cases are the wet form which progresses quickly resulting in blurring and potential loss of central vision. Nearly 200,000 people are diagnosed with wet AMD each year.
Dr. Samuel M. Liu, Director of Retina Services at The Princeton Eye Group, is continually on the forefront of new advances for treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in Americans over the age of 60. It affects more than two million people. Dr. Liu has been providing AMD patients with intravitreal Lucentis® injections for the treatment of the abnormal blood vessels that grow underneath the retina in this condition.
Lucentis® is a breakthrough treatment for wet AMD that can do more than just help maintain a person’s vision. With Lucentis®, people with wet AMD may actually see their vision improve. It is an FDA approved treatment specifically developed for the treatment of wet AMD.
Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye. As the blood vessels grow, they can leak blood and fluid, which damage the macula. The macula–which is the center of your retina–plays a key role in your central vision. Lucentis® is designed to block abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage. In addition to the abnormal growth of blood vessels, certain proteins are thought to play a major role in causing wet AMD. Lucentis® is a treatment that targets these proteins–preventing them from causing more damage and possibly even reversing their effects.
Many people saw impressive results with Lucentis®. In key clinical studies, about 95% of patients treated with Lucentis® found that their vision stayed the same (vision loss did not progress) and up to 40% of those patients found that their vision significantly improved. However, wet AMD is a chronic condition and there is no cure. But it can become manageable by treating it monthly with Lucentis®. If you have a loved one who may have wet macular degeneration, schedule a consultation to see if treatment with Lucentis® may be an option.