Wet AMD treatment strategies

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Dr. Bernard Hurley, MD, FRCPC, Vitreoretinal Surgeon, Ophthalmologist  talks about the treatment of wet AMD.

Dr. Bernard Hurley, MD, FRCPC, Vitreoretinal Surgeon, Ophthalmologist  talks about the treatment of wet AMD.

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Video transcript

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

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96 out of 100 people got some of these questions wrong... ( 12 participated.)

Wet AMD treatment strategies

Questions
 
True
False
1

Age-related macular degeneration is an incredibly common cause of vision loss in people over 40.

Explanation:

Age-related macular degeneration is an incredibly common cause of vision loss in people over 60.

2

There are two kinds of age-related macular degeneration: dry and wet.

Explanation:

There are two kinds of age-related macular degeneration: dry and wet.

3

In both types, AMD affects the macula in the center of the retina. The macula allows us to see fine details.

Explanation:

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.

4

In wet AMD, new blood vessels form in weakened areas of the retina and can bleed and leak fluid. Wet age-related macular degeneration progresses quickly.

Explanation:

Wet age-related macular degeneration progresses quickly, as these blood vessels bleed and leak fluid.

5

If you’re over the age of 45, you should have a comprehensive visual exam every year.

Explanation:

If you’re over the age of 65, you should have a comprehensive visual exam every year.

6

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.

Explanation:

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.

7

Usually, patients with wet AMD will get monthly intravitreal 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.

Explanation:

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.

8

While anti-VEGF injections can treat wet AMD, there’s no cure.

Explanation:

While anti-VEGF injections can treat wet AMD, there’s no cure.

This content is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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