Are anti-VEGF injections safe for 64-year-olds with AMD?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 64 and was diagnosed with AMD last year. Recently, I have noticed that my central vision is becoming more blurry, even when I wear my glasses. My eye doctor mentioned that anti-VEGF injections might help, but I am afraid of getting a needle in my eye. I have also heard about gene therapy and implantable chips for AMD. I am really scared it might progress to complete blindness.

Are those real treatments or still in the research stage?
Can too much screen time make the condition worse?
Is there a safer alternative?

Please advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concerns.

Most people with wet AMD (age-related macular degeneration) will receive anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections as their primary treatment. During this procedure, your doctor will apply numbing medication to your eye. While the injection itself is not painful, an antiseptic is used beforehand to clean the eye and reduce the risk of infection.

Unfortunately, gene therapies for macular dystrophies and AMD are not yet available. However, some of these therapies are currently in clinical trials. The SING IMT™ (smaller-incision new generation implantable miniature telescope) miniature implantable telescope is a medical device designed to assist patients with late-stage AMD in regaining vision. The device works by magnifying images at the center of your vision, allowing for clearer sight. The telescope is implanted through a small incision, similar to the procedure for cataract surgery.

The high-energy visible (HEV) blue light emitted by screens can potentially cause long-term damage, which may worsen your AMD as you age.

I hope this answers your questions.

Thanks and regards.