Advances in the treatment of age-related macular
degeneration
What is it?
Macular degeneration is a painless disorder that affects the
macula, the central part of the retina usually in both eyes,
causing progressive loss of central and detailed vision, making if
difficult for people to read, recognise others or drive. Incidence
increases with each decade over the age of 50 to almost 15% by the
age of 75.
There are two types of AMD, usually referred to as 'wet' and
'dry'. In dry AMD the condition develops very slowly causing
gradual loss of central vision. Wet AMD results in a build-up of
fluid under the retina and is a much more rapid and aggressive form
of the condition.
Treatment and how it works
Antioxidant vitamins can help to limit dry AMD, but the most
remarkable advances have been in the treatment of wet complications
providing it is diagnosed early enough. Positive results have been
found with the use of drugs injected into the back of the eye such
as Macugen or Lucentis. 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 can permanently damage the macula. The
injected drugs are designed to block abnormal blood vessel growth
and leakage and thereby halt the progression of AMD.
The four surgeons currently performing this treatment at the
Cromwell are:
To make an appointment with one of
the Consultant Ophthalmologists please call our Appointments
Department below. To see a shortened CV on any of our Consultants
click on their name.