Age Related Macular Degeneration
What is Age Related Macular Degeneration?
Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) occurs when the cells in the central part of the retina (the macula) deteriorate with age, usually in those over the age of 50. There are two types of ARMD; dry and wet.
Dry ARMD occurs over time as the light-sensitive cells that send signals to the brain slowly break down and deteriorate. This form of the disease accounts for 90% of cases and causes gradual loss of sharp, central vision, leaving some peripheral vision.Wet ARMD results in the formation of abnormal blood vessels behind the retina which causes bleeding and scarring that leads to loss of vision. A growth factor which plays an integral role in the development of abnormal blood vessels in wet AMD is Vacular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Drugs which block the action of this factor and stop blood vessel growth are now available.Macugen and Lucentis are now licensed for use in the UK. Lucentis was the first therapy ever shown to increase the average vision of wet AMD patients in a large randomised controlled clinicl trial. These agents are injected into the vitreous gel of the eye, to target the new blood vessel growth promoted by VEGF.
The Procedure at London Medical
Prior to the injection the patient will be assessed by Fluorescein Angiography and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).In preparation for the injection, local anaesthetic drops are applied to the conjunctivae; a lid speculum is inserted to hold the lids open and a very fine needle is inserted in the vitreous. The procedure is virtually painless and is followed by a short period of rest at the clinic before returning home.
Follow up visits
At a follow up visit, the patient's vision will be measured and a Fluorescein Angiogram or Optical Coherence Tomography will be carried out to assess the effectiveness of the drug. If the retinal thickness returns to normal, no repeat injection is required, If there is persistent retinal swelling, a repeat injection will be given. To date, London Medical has carried out 3,236 intravitreous injections.
