Cutting Edge Diagnosis & Treatment for Wet AMD
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic eye condition that causes central vision loss. It is a leading cause of blindness in those over the age of 60, and affects millions of Americans. 80% of AMD sufferers have the dry form of the disease, which is not treatable, and causes gradual vision loss. There are therapies which can slow the progression of dry AMD. The more serious form of AMD – wet AMD – can cause rapid vision loss and often develops as a result of dry AMD. In fact, 1 in 10 people with dry AMD will develop wet AMD. Approximately 200,000 people each year are diagnosed with this form of the condition.
In wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye, often as a complication of dry AMD. These may leak blood and fluid, causing damage to the macula – the portion of the eye that allows us to see color and fine detail – and rapid vision loss if not detected and treated early. At Outlook EyeCare in New Jersey, our optometrist and ophthalmologists rely on leading edge innovations for prompt diagnosis and treatment of wet AMD.
To speed detection and diagnosis, we utilize Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for noninvasive retinal imaging. The Spectralis equipment from Heidelberg Engineering represents state-of-the-art technology which allows ophthalmologists to see cross sectional images of the retina, greatly aiding in the early detection and treatment of eye conditions including AMD.
The latest advances in treating AMD include drug therapy with Lucentis® or Avastin®, which helps to abate the abnormal blood vessels and improve and preserve vision. Lucentis is administered in a monthly or bi-monthly injection into the vitreous humor of the eye. In clinical studies of patients treated monthly for up to 2 years, 9 out of 10 people experienced stabilization of their vision, and up to 4 out of 10 saw improvement in their vision.
Avastin is administered in the same manner as Lucentis. In terms of visual acuity, results from Avastin treatment are virtually identical to those from Lucentis. Avastin injections are less expensive than Lucentis, however Lucentis is currently the only FDA approved injection for AMD, thus the only drug therapy covered by Medicare. AMD treatment with Avastin is considered an "off label" use subject to the discretion of the physician.
Although there is no cure for AMD, by employing cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment approaches, eye care professionals can help their patients to maintain their vision and preserve their quality of life. The same is true for other aspects of eye health and treatment, from vision correction to cataract surgery. Our New Jersey patients appreciate that we offer the latest, proven innovations for their optimal eye care.
In wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye, often as a complication of dry AMD. These may leak blood and fluid, causing damage to the macula – the portion of the eye that allows us to see color and fine detail – and rapid vision loss if not detected and treated early. At Outlook EyeCare in New Jersey, our optometrist and ophthalmologists rely on leading edge innovations for prompt diagnosis and treatment of wet AMD.
To speed detection and diagnosis, we utilize Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for noninvasive retinal imaging. The Spectralis equipment from Heidelberg Engineering represents state-of-the-art technology which allows ophthalmologists to see cross sectional images of the retina, greatly aiding in the early detection and treatment of eye conditions including AMD.
The latest advances in treating AMD include drug therapy with Lucentis® or Avastin®, which helps to abate the abnormal blood vessels and improve and preserve vision. Lucentis is administered in a monthly or bi-monthly injection into the vitreous humor of the eye. In clinical studies of patients treated monthly for up to 2 years, 9 out of 10 people experienced stabilization of their vision, and up to 4 out of 10 saw improvement in their vision.
Avastin is administered in the same manner as Lucentis. In terms of visual acuity, results from Avastin treatment are virtually identical to those from Lucentis. Avastin injections are less expensive than Lucentis, however Lucentis is currently the only FDA approved injection for AMD, thus the only drug therapy covered by Medicare. AMD treatment with Avastin is considered an "off label" use subject to the discretion of the physician.
Although there is no cure for AMD, by employing cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment approaches, eye care professionals can help their patients to maintain their vision and preserve their quality of life. The same is true for other aspects of eye health and treatment, from vision correction to cataract surgery. Our New Jersey patients appreciate that we offer the latest, proven innovations for their optimal eye care.
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