What is macular degeneration and what treatments are currently available ?
Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is the commonest cause of visual loss in the UK, particularly in patients over the age of 65 years. It is classified into either wet or dry types. Wet AMD is caused by an ingrowth of abnormal blood vessels from the choroid, the layer under the retina, and these can rapidly bleed and cause leakage of fluid into the retina – hence it is called wet AMD. This type may respond to laser treatment or to injection with small doses of intraocular drugs called anti-VEGF agents, of which Lucentis and Avastin are examples. Dry AMD is analogous to “wear and tear” changes at the back of the eye and as such is not generally treatable, although low vision assessment and the provision of optical aids can be very helpful. The IOL-VIP system may be particularly helpful in those cases with dry AMD where there is no other treatment available. In addition it may also be helpful in patients with wet AMD that have been left with small, well defined central areas of scarr
