Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment and Me

by Arun
(Toronto)

I first had wet macular degeneration in my left eye six years ago and was treated with Visudyne and laser

Unfortunately, the treatment did not save the central vision. Now my right eye is also affected and I have received Lucentis injections. They have helped me a lot. I keep my fingers crossed and maintain a positive outlook.

REPLY

Thanks Arun, for sharing with us your experiences with the different wet macular degeneration treatments. It is good to hear that the Lucentis injections are helping.

Six years ago Lucentis was not available. It was FDA approved in 2006. This anti-VEGF drug works by blocking VEGF. VEGF stands for vascular endothelial growth factor, a hormone that stimulates the growth of fragile and leaky blood vessels.

Wet macular degeneration is the result of the formation of new, fragile and leaky blood vessels growing under the retina. The growth of these new blood vessels is called angiogenesis.
VEGF is secreted by cells that are oxygen deprived and stimulate the growth of these abnormal blood vessels.

Lucentis works by blocking the growth of these tiny blood vessels that leak blood and fluid which then damages the photoreceptor cells in the retina.

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN