Boston Ophthalmologist Francis D’Ambrosio, Jr., M.D.
commented on age
related macular degeneration
(AMD) treatment results and predictive factors for best success and outcomes
with Lucentis® injections. “Looking at the
data from the long term clinical trials has shown that there can be
considerable variability in patient responses to the Lucentis® injections we
use to treat age related macular degeneration,” said Dr. D’Ambrosio Jr. of D’Ambrosio Eye Care with
offices in Athol, Lancaster, Acton & Gardner. “The good news is that this information has been quite useful in establishing a number of
diagnostic and treatment parameters that we use to optimize treatment and
monitoring regimens to help patients get the best possible results,” Dr.
D’Ambrosio Jr. explained.
Here
are some important factors and considerations that we know today:
·
The initial visual
acuity is not a good indicator for patients treated with monthly injections of
Lucentis®. But, a poorer initial visual acuity seems to predict greater overall
improvement.
·
Smaller areas of blood
vessel growth seem to respond better to treatment.
·
If treatment begins
BEFORE any hemorrhage has occurred there is usually a more favorable result.
·
The visual acuity
found between the 3 and 5 month visit seems to predict about where the 12 month
visit acuity will end up.
·
If there is a
recurrence of subretinal fluid there is usually a negative effect on the long
term visual recovery and functioning.
While
there can be no guarantees, by using this information we can work to hopefully
avoid the catastrophic vision loss from Wet Age Related Macular Degeneration
(AMD). YOUR role is to be consistent in
scheduling routine eye exams if you are over 50 years old or even earlier if
you have a family history of AMD-and should you notice symptoms including
distortion of your vision, waviness or curving of lines or straight surfaces or
a sudden change or spots of any kind, please call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at
800-325-3937 for an immediate appointment. The key to maintaining eye health
and vision is early detection, diagnosis and treatment.
If you or someone you know has a family history of macular degeneration or is concerned about
macular degeneration it is important to be scheduling an eye
examination at D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us at 800-325-3937, visiting D’Ambrosio Eye Care or
facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.
D'Ambrosio
Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice with office locations
at 479 Old Union Turnpike,
Lancaster, Massachusetts 01523, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts
01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner,
Massachusetts 01440 that serve the greater Boston and
central Massachusetts area.
