Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition and a leading cause of blindness in people aged 60 and older. As the name suggests, AMD damages the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision that is needed for tasks like reading and driving. Over time, AMD can destroy the macula and cause blindness. While there is currently no cure for AMD, various therapies and treatments are available to help slow its progression and preserve vision for as long as possible.
Taking high doses of certain vitamins and minerals has been shown to help reduce the risk of advanced AMD and slow its progression in people with intermediate AMD or the early stages of the disease. The AREDS 2 study in 2013 identified a daily supplement combination of vitamins C, E, the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, zinc, and copper as beneficial for slowing progression to advanced AMD. Studies have demonstrated that taking these supplements daily can reduce the risk of progressing to advanced AMD by about 25%. The supplements appear to be most effective when started early, so discuss supplements with your eye doctor if you have any signs of AMD.
Anti-VEGF Injections
For wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Therapies which accounts for about 10-15% of cases, injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medications directly into the eye are the standard treatment approach. VEGF is a chemical signal that promotes the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the retina, which often leak fluid and blood causing rapid vision loss in wet AMD. Anti-VEGF medications, such as ranibizumab (Lucentis) and aflibercept (Eylea), work by blocking VEGF activity and inhibiting the abnormal blood vessel growth. Patients typically receive injections every 4-8 weeks, with ongoing treatment required to control the disease. While anti-VEGF injections cannot restore vision that has already been lost, they have been shown to stop further vision loss and even improve vision in some cases when treatment is started soon after wet AMD develops.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an older treatment option that is sometimes considered for wet AMD when anti-VEGF injections are not possible or not fully controlling the disease despite regular treatment. It involves first injecting a light-activated drug called verteporfin into the bloodstream. A low-energy laser is then shone directly onto the lesion caused by abnormal blood vessels in the macula. This activates the drug, which causes the abnormal vessels to clump together, shutting off blood flow to those areas. Over time, the blocked blood vessels degenerate. PDT aims to slow progression of wet AMD and preserve remaining vision. However, it is generally not as effective as anti-VEGF injections and vision gains are less common with PDT. It may provide an alternative option for some individuals.
Nutritional Therapy
Diet, specifically, may also play a role in AMD treatment and prevention. Following a healthy diet focused on leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, nuts and seeds may help support eye health and reduce AMD risk. Research suggests certain nutrients found abundantly in these foods, like lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C, E may possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that protect the macula from damage. A nutritious diet coupled with AREDS supplement use may offer even greater protection against AMD compared to supplements alone. Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking are also lifestyle choices recommended for overall eye and vision health as you age.
Gene Therapy
In the early investigational stages, gene therapy approaches that aim to deliver protective or restorative genes directly to the retina show promise for future AMD treatment. These experimental techniques could potentially help replace malfunctioning or missing genes involved in AMD that damage the macula over time. While still in pre-clinical research, gene therapy may one day supplement or advance current therapies by slowing disease progression or restoring lost vision through natural cellular regeneration mechanisms. Further development and testing will reveal if gene therapy safely achieves these treatment goals for AMD.
Stem Cell Therapy
Similarly, stem cell therapy represents another cutting-edge area of research that could potentially revolutionize how AMD is managed. Stem cells have the unique ability to develop into specialized cell types, like retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells which are often damaged or lost in AMD progression. Transplanting healthy stem cell-derived RPE cells into the back of the eye aims to potentially restore visual function by replacing damaged or dead cells involved in AMD. Several early clinical trials are underway evaluating the efficacy and safety of various stem cell-based techniques. Down the road, stem cell therapies may serve as an enhanced means of preserving or recovering vision in AMD beyond existing options if the research achieves meaningful success.
As research continues advancing AMD treatment methods, individuals living with the condition have promising options available now for managing their vision loss risks. Speak with an eye doctor about the therapies and lifestyle measures appropriate for your specific AMD diagnosis and stage. Early detection and treatment using available approved approaches can significantly improve outcomes for preserving sight long-term. Exciting developments on the horizon through gene and stem cell therapies may also provide even more powerful solutions for halting and reversing vision decline from AMD in the future.
Get More Insights On Age-Related Macular Degeneration Therapeutics
Get this Report in Japanese Language
Get this Reports in Korean Language
About Author:
Priya Pandey is a dynamic and passionate editor with over three years of expertise in content editing and proofreading. Holding a bachelor's degree in biotechnology, Priya has a knack for making the content engaging. Her diverse portfolio includes editing documents across different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. Priya's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset in the world of content creation and refinement.
(LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-pandey-8417a8173/)
copyright src="chrome-extension://fpjppnhnpnknbenelmbnidjbolhandnf/content_script_web_accessible/ecp_aggressive.js" type="text/javascript">