Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment

by Charles

Is there any new treatments for wet macular degeneration?

My mother lost my dad last year and most of her sight. When I call to talk to her she is listening to the radio because she cannot see the TV or read. I subscribe to Macular Degeneration News.

REPLY

Hi Charles,

Thanks for your e-mail and I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your dad and now your mom's eyesight.

First, is your mom seeing a retina specialist?

Here are the general treatment options for wet macular degeneration:

Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment

Here is info on wet macular degeneration research

Wet Macular Degeneration Research

Kind Regards,

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment

by Frank
(United States)

Hi Leslie,

My mother has wet macular degeneration.

We heard of a new process that a doctor uses a needle and injects a formula directly into the eye of the patient and it is suppose to help.

Can you tell me more about this procedure if you can and where this procedure is currently being done. Thanks and have a nice day.

REPLY

Hi Frank,

Thanks for your question. Anti-VEGF therapy is a treatment for wet macular degeneration where the anti-VEGF drug is administered by injection into the eye with a very fine needle.

The two main drugs are Avastin and Lucentis. A new drug called Eylea was shown in clinical trials to be as effective as the other anti-VEGF drugs but can be given less frequently. We are still waiting on FDA approval for it before Eylea will be available to the public.

Kind Regards,

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

New Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment

by Lee
(United States)

Respond please to article from New York Times

"A NEW EYE MEDICINE FROM REGENERON PHARMACEUTICALS AND BAYER A.G. IS SAFE AND EFFECTIVE FOR TREATING A COMMON CAUSE OF VISION LOSS, A FEDERAL ADVISORY PANEL SAID ON FRIDAY.

THE PANEL, WHICH MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO RECOMMEND THE TREATMENT, EYLEA, FOR A FORM OF MACULAR DEGENERATION THAT AFFECTS AT LEAST 1.5 MILLION AMERICANS.

THE ADVISERS ALSO SAID THE DRUG,WHICH IS GIVEN BY INJECTION, COULD BE GIVEN ONCE EVERY TWO MONTHS, GIVING IT AN EDGE OVER THE TYPICAL MONTHLY DOSING OF ITS CHIEF COMPETITOR, LUCENTIS, FROM ROCHE HOLDING,.

THE F.D.A. USUALLY FOLLOWS THE ADVICE OF ITS ADVISORY PANELS AND IS EXPECTED TO RULE ON EYLEA BY AUG. 20."

REPLY

Dear Lee,

Thank you for your inquiry.

Regeneron is making an anti-VEGF drug called VEGF Trap-Eye, also known as aflibercept, will be marketed as Eylea. The FDA recently delayed making a final decision on approving the drug and Regeneron is hopeful to have a final decision in November.

I recently wrote an article about VEGF Trap-Eye being delayed by the FDA.

Thanks and I hope this was helpful.

Randall V. Wong, M.D.

Dr. Wong is a Retina Specialist in Fairfax Virginia

Retina Specialist
Fairfax Virginia

Wet Macular Degeneration - Treatment

by Rafael
(Cayey, Puerto Rico)

Im 75 years young and recently diagnosed with ARMD, The wet kind! Need to know best treatment and if it works??????
Thx, Ralph

REPLY

Hi Ralph,

You are asking the million dollar question. Here is a page about the different treatment options for wet AMD. Here are some questions to ask your retina doctor.

1. What are my treatment options?

2. What are the benefits of each of these treatments?

3. What are the possible short term or long term side affects or risks?

Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment

Kind Regards,

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Wet Macular Degeneration Research - No Injections

by Ronnie
(NJ)

He Leslie,

First, I'd like to thank you for setting up this very informative website, and for donating your time and sharing your knowledge with people who have AMD or know someone who does.

My Mother has recently started receiving Lucentis injections (she's had 3 so far), and she's doing amazingly well.

Her doctor said her eye is currently dry and she doesn't have to return for 7 weeks.

Here is my question: An injection in the eye is not very pleasant (although from what my Mother told me, it's not as bad as what people imagine, myself included); however, my Mother says it is somewhat painful for her.

Are there other methods being studied to deliver the medicine into the eye other than injections?

Perhaps some kind of timed released delivery method which would work over time? Or is this wishful thinking on my part? Thank you again.

REPLY

Hi Ronnie,

I'm sure you are asking a question that many other patients who are getting injections are wondering about.

Yes, there are some studies looking at other treatments besides anti-VEGF injections.

For instance the MERLOT study. This is their stated purpose:

"This study tests a new surgical device that delivers a focal dose of radiation (epimacular brachytherapy) to the macula, to try and reduce or eliminate the need for ongoing, regular eye injections."

The other study using radiation is the Safety Study for Treatment of Wet Macular Degeneration Using the TheraSight(TM) Ocular Brachytherapy System.

To learn more about this macular degeneration research click here:

Wet Macular Degeneration Clinical Trials

Kind Regards,

Leslie Degner,RN, BSN

Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment

by Anver
(South Africa)

1. I am 74 years old, My sight is getting worse and blurry, I am unable to read as well as recognize faces. I have tried the injections but still no improvement.

- What other treatments do you recommend?

- I would like to know if there is a clinic that you can recommend in India?

- the name of specialist that you could recommend?

can you e-mail me on fsulaman@gmail.com

Thank You.

Anver

Reply

Hi Anver,

I am sorry to hear that your vision is getting worse. One of my most favorite trips was to South Africa and seeing the animals at Kruger National Park.

I looked to see if there were any macular degeneration studies in South Africa and there are none at this time. I don't know of a place in India to recommend to you or how to recommend a specialist to you in South Africa.

As a suggestion for a second opinion, you may want to go to an academic medical center which means it is a clinic that is associated with a university.

As a registered nurse I work for a large academic medical center - meaning that you will find physicians who are teachers or professors and who are also involved in or aware of the latest research.

Try contacting your nearest university hospital to see if they can recommend a retina specialist to you. To find out more about what a retina specialist is click here:

Retina Doctor

Kind Regards,

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

P.S. Next week's newsletter will be about wet macular degeneration treatment options written by a retina specialist. It may shed some light for you on what treatment options are available. Sign up for the free newsletter if you haven't already.

Eye Injections for Macular Degeneration Treatment

by Joanne
(Manteca, CA)

Will getting the injections into the eye stop the progression of the macular egeneration?

REPLY

Hi Joanne,

That is the million dollar question. Many people are helped by Avastin or Lucentis eye injections.

To help you better understand how this anti-VEGF therapy works please read:

Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment - Eye Injections

Kind Regards,

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment

by Navin
(India)

I have wet AMD detected before six months.

I have pulmonary stenosis since birth.

Can I undergo Anti VEGF treatment?

Please give more information on sustained release drug delivery like Ozurdex.

REPLY

Hello Navin,

I do not remember if pulmonary stenosis has anything to do with VEGF during embryonic development. I would ask a cardiologist or a pulmonologist if having anti-VEGF treatments now, as an adult, would affect your pulmnonary stenosis.

Ozurdex is presently the only sustained release drug delivery system for the eye. It releases a steroid for the treatment of retinal vein occlusions.

We anticipate a similar product in the next few years for the treatment of macular degeneration. It should reduce the number doctor's visits, and, fewer injections as the medicine is likely to be released for months at a time.

Thanks for writing!

Randall V. Wong, M.D.

Retina Specialist Fairfax, Virginia

Macular Degeneration Treatment

by Yu Yu Thaw
(Maymyo,Myanmar)

My sister has Macular Degeneration. Our eye doctor said that she should go to Bangkok Eye Hospital for treatment with laser. Does macular degeneration need laser treatment? What should we do?

REPLY

Dear Yu Yu,

Thanks for taking the time to e-mail your question. Macular degeneration treatment depends on what type it is - whether it is dry or wet macular degeneration.

Although I can not tell you what treatment is best for your sister, only a retina doctor is able to do that, I can tell you to learn as much as you can on this retinal disease.

Even though there are many good websites, I still find that books on macular degeneration are the most helpful.

To see a list of books that I recommend go to:

Macular Degeneration Resource Books

To learn more about macular degeneration treatment options go to:

Macular Degeneration Treatment

Genetics, or family history, such as a sister with AMD, plays a significant role in the development of this retinal disease. It is important that you start now to take steps to help protect your eyes. To learn more go to:

Macular Degeneration Prevention

Kind Regards,

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment

Hello,

My mom has wet AMD in one eye and dry AMD in the other. She has been receiving Lucentis (for 6 months) and Avastin (for 6 months) injections. She tried photodynamic therapy once and her eye has gotten worse. She is still being treated with avastin injections once a month.

This time, our doctor -retina specialist- offered a cortisone injection combined with Avastin injection. I couldn't find any information about cortisone injections for wet AMD.

I would be glad if you can let me know if cortisone injections are used for treatment of wet macular degeneration and if so, do they help? What are the possible side effects of cortisone injections? Do you suggest?

Thank you in advance,

Best regards.

REPLY

Your mother's doctor is probably going to recommend a steroid injection in combination with the Avastin injection.

Steroid injections are commonly used to treat a variety of retinal disorders and have been used as combination treatment for wet AMD for a long time.

Many doctors feel that the combination of the steroid and Avastin (or other treatment) offers a synergistic effect, that is, the two work better than one of them alone.

In addition, the recurrence rate might be decreased as well.

Best of luck to your mom.

Randall V. Wong, M.D.

Retina Specialist Fairfax, Virginia

Wet Macular Degeneration - Questions on Treatment, Supplements and Specialist

by Oman
(United States)

A couple of years ago I noticed my vision in my right eye was deteriorating. After an examination I was diagnosed with dry MD. Lately I noticed that my vision was blurred and especially my central vision.

I basically can't see much of anything clearly.
I found out it's now wet MD and I saw a picture of my right eye which has a muddy splotch.

I have an appointment with a specialist in two weeks. I'm 53 and scared about it. I'm changing my diet and using supplements and have cut back smoking so I can quit.

I'm thinking about Avastin but the local doctor here suggested I should have laser treatment to stop the bleeding. However, I'm worried because I want to try and restore some of the lost vision if I can. Also, I was diagnosed with dry MD in my left eye. Should I get shots in both eyes?

This is scary because I teach and need my vision to continue work. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Reply

Dear Oman,

I am sorry that you are experiencing wet macular degeneration at such a young age. You are making some good decisions, like

Quitting Smoking

Seeing a Retina Doctor

Eating a Macular Degeneration Diet

Taking Vitamins for Macular Degeneration


Find out more about intra-ocular injections using a new class of drugs called anti-VEGF.

Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment - Anti-VEGF Injections

You are a teacher, but for your macular degeneration become the learner. Read as much as you can about it. There are lots of good books. One book is called The First Year: Age-Related Macular Degeneration: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed. The author is Dan Roberts and he too was a teacher diagnosed with AMD.

Best Regards,

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

New Macular Degeneration Treatment

by Dave
(United States)

Leslie,

I am 70 years and was diagnosed one year ago. My question is I saw a over 70 person who just received the latest experiment and was seeing a little bit better.

I believe he was able to read at least 2 lines.

Could you please give me some information about this proceedure and if that could help me.

I have the wet form in my left eye. My right eye is very good.

Any infomation on this proceedure would be very appreciated.

Thank You.

Dave

P.S. Leslie, I believe it is the implantable telescope. I also would like to add that I received two shots in my left eye and because it did not help I am now seeing my eye doctor on a six month basis. Waiting to hear from You.

REPLY

Hi Dave,

The new implantable telescope to treat end stage macular degeneration just received FDA approval this summer. To find out more about the procedure, to see if you are a candidate and how to find an ophthalmologist who is trained in the implant procedure go to:

Macular Degeneration Telescope

Kind Regards,

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Wet Macular Degeneration - Eye Injection

by Duane
(Everet, wa.)

I have Wet Macular degeneration and had it before cataract surgery in the left eye After cataract surgery the left eye things were clearer. Cataract surgery was 7-21-2011.

Nine weeks later if I close tr eye the left eye alone I see distortion in peoples faces and wavyness. The ophthamalogist put a shot of some sort in the eye to stop the eye from making new blood vessels and to ease the distortion.

Now about a week and half later i have numerous floaters and a film in the eye with flashing light on the left occasionaly but not all the time. Can these numerous 10-15 floaters be treated ?

I did not have them before the injection in the eye. The eye is worse at this stage. I was instructed to go back on the 26th of this month possibly for another injection.

I am leery of this. Can you give me an honest opinion about the floaters and possible treatment.? Thank you.

REPLY

Hi Duane,

Please make sure to alert you doctor about the floaters and change in vision.

Do not wait until the 26th as your symptoms could possibly mean you have sustained a complication of the injection.

The symptoms you list are not usual of an intraocular injection and may be a sign of bleeding or retinal detachment.

Keep us posted.

Randall V. Wong, M.D.

Retina Specialist Fairfax, Virginia

Wet Macular Degeneration Injections

by Razia
(Islamabad, Pakistan)

I have Wet AMD in my left eye. I have already lost its central vision. I have been getting Avastin injections once in 4-6 weeks in the affected eye for last many months.

So far I had about 8 injections. Can I have your views on the following:

a. Can one expect good results from this injection?

b. Any other supplemantary treatment for it?

c. How to provive effective protection for my right eye which is safe so far?

Thanking you.

REPLY

Dear Razia,

I am wondering if there has been any improvement over the past few months. For instance, are you better now compared to before the treatment?

Commonly, I usually expect some improvement by 3 months, even if it is a small amount.


Your doctor may also be using this treatment to prevent you from getting any worse than you are now.

There really is no supplementary treatment needed.

You may ask your doctor about the feasibility of the AREDS formulation vitamin to reduce the chances of your good eye becoming affected.

Thanks for the questions!

Randall V. Wong, M.D.

Retina Specialist Fairfax, Virginia

Wet Macular Degeneration - Austria

by Klaus
(Austria)

I've got wet Macular Degeneration 5 years on the left eye and 6 weeks on the rite.

My vision is: R- 70%, L-35%. I am looking for help to improve my vision.

Can be surgery or any treatments.

Best regards,

Klaus

REPLY

Thank-you Klaus for your question. Hopefully you are under the care of a retina doctor who can adivse you on your treatment options.

You can learn about wet macular degeneration treatment options by checking out this page:

Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment

If you are interested in macular degeneration clinical trials for wet AMD there are two in Austria. Click on the link to find out more about the study and who to contact:

1. Manta Study: Avastin Versus Lucentis
This study is in Vienna

2. Phase II Open Label Multicenter Study For Age Related Macular Degeneration Comparing An Investigational Drug PF-04523655 Versus Lucentis

This study is not yet recruiting, but will be soon and it is in Linz.

Kind Regards,

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment - Photodynamic Therapy

My mom has wet type of AMD and she has been treated with Lucentis for 6 months. She has been injected 6 times already. However there is still fluid. This time doctor treated the eye with photodynamic therapy. After PDT my mom lost her central vision even more. Not it has been 27 days after the first PDT. This loss of vision after PDT is temporary or not?

REPLY

Dear Reader,

I am sorry to hear about your mom's loss of vision. Patients who will benefit from photodynamic therapy are those who have new blood vessel growth (neovascularization) under the retina in a well defined, distinctive pattern known as "predominantly classic."

About 40-60 percent of new wet AMD patients have this form of macular degeneration, according to Novartis, the company that markets Visudyne (QLT Inc. developed it).

Photodynamic therapy has been shown to be effective for only certain types of wet AMD.

How well the treatment works depends on where and how the abnormal blood vessels are growing beneath the retina.

For some types of wet AMD, the treatment is not beneficial.

Visudyne Side Effects

A severe loss in visual clarity occurs in 1% to 4% of those treated with verteporfin. In some cases, vision partially recovers.

Other side effects that may occur include:

√ Temporary visual disturbances (abnormal vision, decreased vision, defects in the visual field).

√ Pain, swelling, bleeding, or inflammation at the site where the verteporfin medicine is injected. Some people also experience low back pain related to the injection of the medicine.

√ Photosensitivity reactions (such as sunburn).

The effectiveness and long-term consequences are still being studied.

Best Regards,

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Black Spots after Injection

by Jackie Limberger
(Wagga Wagga)

My father had his injection yesterday and is now seeing black spots.

Is this a side effect?
thanks
Jackie
Answer

Dear Jackie,

Black spots immediately following an injection can be air or blood. As it is difficult to know without examining your father, I'd let his doctor know. There is a good chance it is probably benign, but I'd hate to speak in place of his doctor.

Take care,


Randall V. Wong, M.D.

Dr. Wong is a Retina Specialist in Fairfax Virginia

Retina Specialist
Fairfax Virginia

To learn more about anti-VEGF therapy or macular degeneration injections click here:
Anti-VEGF Therapy

Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment - Visudyne and Lucentis

by Eleanor
(New Jersey)

My 87 year old father has been getting Lucentis injections for almost 2 years for wet AMD. At first, he was getting the injections in only one eye. Now, he receives the injections alternating one eye and the other.

His retina specialist suggested he get treated with Visudyne in both eyes and then he will not have to have the Lucentis injections as often.

Has anyone had experience with that combination of treatments? What were your experiences? Did you have any side effects from the Visudyne? How did it affect your vision? Thank you.

Answer
Hi Eleanor,

I hope others will respond to your question besides me. But I did want you to know that there have been studies and currently are several studies that are looking at the effectiveness of Lucentis injections alone or in combination with photodynamic therapy.

One study was done in Basel, Switzerland and has been completed - but I have not yet been able to find the study results posted any where.

Several other studies are in progress that are not taking new participants and several studies are still open - meaning they are taking new participants.

To learn more about clinical trials that are combining these two therapies click here:

Wet Macular Degeneration Clinical Trials

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment for Both Eyes

by Frutuoso Jose Pereira da Silva
(Americana/São Paulo/Brasil)

I am 63 years old, live in Brasil. About 6 years ago, I was diagnosed the disease on the RHS eye...after 1 year of treatment I lost almost complete vision.

Last year the disease attack my LHS eye.. I had 8 applications with Lucentis drug...due to economic reasons(over here in Brasil my Health Insurance-Unimed or either the State insurance does not cove this type of treatment expenses-very expensive indeed.)

I had to stop the treatment for about 3 months...unfortunatly I have to re-start again the treatment. Not able to drive or read normally.


Any other treatment available to restore the vision on my both eyes?

Thanks & Best Regards

REPLY

Dear Sir,

In the United States we also use an anti-VEGF injection called Avastin.

Avastin is very similar to Lucentis and is actually made by the same company, Genentech.

Avastin is an older drug than Lucentis, but has become very popular in the United states for treating wet macular degeneration. It seems just as effective as Lucentis, but much, much cheaper.

This may be a great option for you.

Best of luck!

Randall V. Wong, M.D.

Retina Specialist Fairfax, Virginia

Macular Degeneration Treatment

by RAMSHAD
(QATAR)

Is there any treatment for macular degeneration?

REPLY

Hi Ramshad,

Thanks for your question. To learn more about treatment for macular degeneration go to:
Macular Degeneration Treatment

Kind Regards,

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Macular Degeneration - Medications

by Thomas
(Austin, Texas)

I have mild Macular Degeneration in my right eye. No distortion, good clarity of vision. However, several weeks ago I was diagnosed with a vitreous detatchment in that eye.

Due to this condition am I at greater risk of a retinal detatchment or retinal tear by taking Cialis (5 mg. daily usage) periodically? In other words, is it safe to take Cialis considering I have the vitreous detatchment?

REPLY

Hi Thomas,

You ask a very good question - however, it would be best answered by your ophthalmologist/retina specialist.

In addition, I would ask the pharmacist the same question and see what his/her response is.

Kind Regards,

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Thanks in advance for your insight.

Macular Degeneration Treatment - Side Effect

by Louis
(Brandenburg, KY)

I had an injection into my eye two days ago.

Immediately after I now see black circle appears to be dangling at the bottom of my vision.

The doctor said it was air bubbles and would go away in time but I'm worried?

REPLY

Dear Louis,

Often, tiny bubbles of air get injected. They rise to the top of your eye, thus affecting your vision "below."

The air, however, should be absorbed very quickly and I would say that if the "black circle" is still there after 24 hours, let your doctor know.

Randall V. Wong, M.D.

Retina Specialist Fairfax, Virginia

Macular Degeneration in Left Eye

by Pamela
(Canada)

What is the chance of this happening in my other eye. (59 years old, type one diabetic, diagnosed one year ago, Macular Degeneration on maternal side)

What does it mean when your opthamologist puts you on a maintence program instead of an aggressive program? (eg. started off with Lucentis shots every month. Now, just maintenance.)

Thanks,

Pam

Reply

Dear Pam,

I need to ask you a few questions;

1. Have you been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy? If so, was the Lucentis for macular degeneration or for the diabetic retinopathy?

2. If you were, instead, diagnosed with macular degeneration, was it the wet form?

I can give you an answer for either of these scenarios, but do need some more info.

Thanks. Look forward to hearing from you.

Randall V. Wong, M.D.

Retina Specialist Fairfax, Virginia

Amsler Grid Monitoring and AMD Treatments

by Richard
(Ohio, Usa)

I was diagnosed last week with AMD in both eyes, left eye worse, but both eyes mild and dry. My vision so far seems to be okay. I am 59.

The retina specialist says I should look at an Amsler chart and notify him immediately of any change. The question I have is why notify immediately.

From what I see there is nothing that can be done for the dry and if either eye becomes wet the options are either laser which apparently does nothing but cause more damage, or injections which are only temporary.

Right now the chart is normal with right eye but with left eye the lines are not perfectly lined up in some spots but not wavy.

REPLY

Hi Richard,

By checking the Amsler Grid you can monitor if there is a sudden change in vision. This sudden change may mean that your dry macular degeneration has progressed to wet macular degeneration. Wet macular degeneration causes more severe vision loss - however some wet macular degeneration treatments can slow or stop the blood vessels from leaking.


According to Dr. Michael Samuel, the author of Macular Degeneration: A Complete Guide for Patients and their Families:

"The sooner you catch wet AMD after it develops, the better your medical team will be able to slow or stop its progression...

All therapies described in this chapter work best when applied as early as possible in the course of the growth of new vessels."

Hope this information helps you.

Kind Regards,

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN