By Dr P Muralidhar Rao, Head of Vitreo retinal Services & Senior Consultant, Maxivision Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Hyderabad
Imagine waking up one morning and noticing that things just don’t look as clear as they once did. It’s a gradual change, blurry spots in your central vision or difficulty seeing fine details. For millions of people worldwide, this is the reality of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of irreversible vision loss.
AMD begins quietly, often unnoticed in its early stages. Over time, it can progress through three stages: early, intermediate, and advanced. When it reaches the advanced stage, it can take one of two forms: dry (non-neovascular) or wet (neovascular) AMD.
In the case of neovascular AMD, a key culprit is Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), which causes the growth of abnormal blood vessels beneath the macula, the part of the eye responsible for sharp central vision. These new vessels aren’t like the healthy ones you’re used to — they leak fluid or even blood, damaging the delicate structures in the eye and leading to severe vision loss.
Know the numbers
The global presence of AMD affects about 8.7% of people aged 45 to 85. Around 10% to 15% of those with AMD may develop neovascular disease. It’s estimated that by 2040, nearly 288 million people worldwide could be living with some stage of AMD.
Beware of the symptoms
Neovascular AMD often strikes without warning, rapidly deteriorating vision. Symptoms can include distorted visuals, diminished central vision, a requirement for more light during close-up tasks, trouble adapting to dim settings, blurrier text, difficulty identifying people, and a prominent blurry or blind spot in one’s sight.
What could be the causes?
Neovascular AMD can lead to vision loss in two ways: abnormal growth of blood vessels or fluid accumulation at the back of the eye.
Risk factors
Several factors may increase one’s risk. Here’s a closer look:
- Age over 50
- Family history
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Cardiovascular disease
Breakthroughs in Diagnosing and Treating Neovascular AMD
Recent advances in medical research have shed light on the pivotal role of VEGF in the development of neovascular AMD. In response, intraocular anti-VEGF treatments have emerged as one of the most effective therapies in modern medicine, significantly improving patient outcomes. This groundbreaking therapy has transformed the prognosis for those battling neovascular AMD, offering not only recovery but also the ability to maintain vision in the majority of patients.In parallel, innovations in diagnostic technology, particularly Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), have opened new frontiers in early disease detection, offering hope for timely interventions.
Protect Your Vision
Regular eye exams are crucial for spotting early signs of macular degeneration before it causes significant damage. Adopting the following habits can help lower the risk of developing neovascular AMD:
- Take control of your health: Managing conditions like cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure is essential
- Kick the habit: Quit smoking
- Stay active and maintain a healthy weight
- Eat for your eyes: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides essential nutrients that support eye health
- Incorporate omega-3s into your diet: Foods like fish have been shown to reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Don’t forget to add a handful of walnuts to your meals as they’re also packed with omega-3s.
Navigating Challenges
Macular degeneration profoundly affects the quality of life for those who live with it, posing significant socioeconomic challenges as life expectancy rises and environmental risks grow. However, with the right information and a strong support system, individuals can still lead fulfilling, independent lives. Empowering those affected with the tools and knowledge they need can make all the difference in navigating these challenges successfully.
Source:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wet-macular-degeneration/symptoms-causes/syc-20351107
- Annual prevalence of geographic atrophy and wet age-related macular degeneration among Medicare Advantage enrollees in a US health plan. Vishal Saundankar, Mark Borns, Kelly Broderick, Birva Shah, Stuart Cowburn, Steven McFadden, and Brandon Suehs. Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy 2025 31:1, 88-94
- Hobbs SD, Tripathy K, Pierce K. Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) [Updated 2024 Aug 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572147//
- Schmidt-Erfurth U, Chong V, Loewenstein A, et al. Guidelines for the management of neovascular age-related macular degeneration by the European Society of Retina Specialists (EURETINA). British Journal of Ophthalmology 2014;98:1144-1167.
Disclaimer:
The information provided is for educational purpose only and does not substitute medical advice from your physician. Roche makes no representation with respect to any treatment action or application of medication through this educational endeavor and therefore will not be liable of any direct or indirect damage arising there from. Please consult your treating physician for any further advice and treatment.
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