AMD treatment strategies Dr. Bernard Hurley, MD, FRCPC, Vitreoretinal Surgeon

Duration: 2:12

Age-related macular degeneration is an incredibly common cause of vision loss in people over 60. In fact, it’s the leading cause of legal blindness in Canada. There are two kinds of age-related macular degeneration: dry and wet. In both types, AMD affects the macula in the center of the retina. The macula is a small area that enables us to see fine details and do things like drive and read.

If you develop AMD, the cells in the retina begin to deteriorate. Abnormal blood vessels start growing through weakened areas under the retina. Wet age-related macular degeneration progresses quickly, as these blood vessels bleed and leak fluid. Symptoms include swelling and scarring, resulting in vision loss. You’ll notice increased difficulties seeing details in text, on the road, and on people’s faces.

If you’re over the age of 65, you should have a comprehensive visual exam every year. This will help detect AMD or other eye diseases you may need treatment for. It’s important to diagnose wet age-related macular degeneration early to prevent vision loss. If you notice symptoms like blurred vision, see your optometrist or ophthalmologist right away. Vision loss isn’t a normal part of the aging process.

If you’re diagnosed with wet AMD, your ophthalmologist will recommend anti-VEGF drugs. The medication is placed into the vitreous cavity at the back of your eye during a procedure called intravitreal injection. The needle is small, and some people feel pressure or discomfort during the injection. However, the ophthalmologist will first numb your eye with anesthetic to reduce pain during the 5-10-minute procedure.

Afterwards, your ophthalmologist will clean your eye to decrease the risk of infection. The risk of infection is low, but call your ophthalmologist if you experience redness or pain after the injections. Usually, patients will get monthly injections for the first few months, then every 2-3 months. Your ophthalmologist may stop the injections if your wet AMD is well controlled, but it can come back, so regular vision exams are essential.

While anti-VEGF injections can treat wet AMD, there’s no cure. If you experience vision loss, you may benefit from vision rehabilitation therapy. For example, magnification tools to help you read or watch TV.

If you’d like to learn more about wet age-related macular degeneration, talk to your optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Presenter: Dr. Bernard Hurley, Ophthalmologist, Ottawa, ON

Local Practitioners: Ophthalmologist