Advanced Treatments for Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Rhode Island
Posted on November 21, 2023 by Janigian Retina Associates in Retina Conditions
You can receive the latest treatments for age related macular degeneration without leaving Rhode Island. There are two different forms of age-related macular degeneration, dry and wet age-related macular degeneration.
Dry age-related macular degeneration is a slowly progressive condition where the portion of your retina serving your central vision, the macula, deteriorates over time. In early stages of dry age-related macular degeneration, drusen, small yellow deposits, collect under the retina. Over time, the retina may thin resulting in a condition called geographic atrophy, a more advanced and irreversible form of dry macular degeneration. Until recently, there was no treatment for geographic atrophy. In February of 2023 Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) became the first medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of geographic atrophy. Syfovre is given as an injection into the eye on a fixed schedule and slows down the progression of geographic atrophy.
Wet age-related macular degeneration is a more rapidly progressive form of macular degeneration. Abnormal blood vessels, called choroidal neovascularization, develop underneath the retina that may leak or bleed. Left untreated, wet age-related macular degeneration may cause irreversible vision loss. There are a number of medications that may significantly slow the progression of wet age-related macular degeneration, including:
- Avastin (bevacizumab)
- Lucentis (ranibizumab)
- Eylea (aflibercept)
- Beovu (brolucizumab)
- Vabysmo (faricimab)
Each is given as an injection into the eye. The frequency of treatment may vary by patient and medication. Your physician will discuss the risks and benefits to treatment with you to determine the best treatment regimen for your specific needs. Make an appointment today.
