MD treatment update |
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You may have heard that Macular Degeneration (MD) is the leading cause of blindness in the over 50 age group in NZ. It accounts for almost 50% of those who have severe vision loss in NZ. When you have an eye test, ensure that your macular is checked. Very early and mild changes may not progress and they do not necessarily mean that your vision is threatened so it is important to ask your eye care professional exactly what the findings in your eyes mean. Other moderate changes may progress over months and years to a gradual thinning of areas of the retina (dry MD) with some patchy loss of vision. The main cause of severe vision loss, however, is related to wet MD where abnormal blood vessels in the retina leak, bleed and form a scar within weeks or months. These abnormal blood vesssels grow because of an abnormally high level of a vascular growth factor (VEGF). Anti-VEGF treatments have proven to be very effective in counteracting the abnormal growth of these rogue blood vessels, preventing further damage to the retina. Three main drugs (Avastin, Lucentis and Eylea) have been remarkable: 95% of patients had stable vision, 40% retained driving vision and 30% gained vision (up to 3 lines on a vision chart). Since these treatments have been introduced in 2005 there has been a reduction in the number of people with MD who are being registered with the Blind Foundation in NZ while Israel, Scotland and Denmark have also reported a 50% reduction in the number of people who are being registered blind as a result of MD. Early symptons of wet MD may be sudden blurring of vision or distortion. Checking each eye individually is important and the Amsler Grid helps with this. Critical factors for the best outcomes from these treatments are early detection, early treatment and a clear understanding of the need for ongoing monitoring and treatments. If you notice any changes in your vision, get your macular checked. Time lost is vision lost! Dr Dianne Sharp |
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