AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION (AMD)

In the past, laser-based therapies were used to target the abnormal blood vessels that cause wet AMD. However, the laser burns typically resulted in scarring and damage to central vision. Fortunately, there are now anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medications available for the treatment of wet AMD. These medications, injected into the eye as an office-based procedure, are currently the preferred therapy for wet AMD due to their unprecedented efficacy. They represent the first therapy that has ever been clinically proven to help improve vision in a substantial proportion of patients with wet AMD. Timing is important, as earlier identification and treatment of wet AMD is associated with better visual outcomes.