AMD: preserving central vision after 50
1st cause of visual impairment in developed countries
Dr. Hugo Nguyen
Ophthalmologist
Dry or wet?
Atrophic AMD (dry, 80% of cases) progresses slowly with accumulation of drusen and atrophy of retinal cells. Exudative AMD (wet, 20%) is due to choroidal neovascularization and causes rapid vision loss.
Symptoms
Blurred or distorted central vision (metamorphopsia — straight lines appearing wavy), central scotoma, difficulty reading, recognizing faces.
Treatments
Wet form: intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF (ranibizumab, aflibercept, faricimab) every 1 to 4 months. Stabilization or even improvement possible with early treatment.
Dry form: AREDS 2 supplements (lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3, vitamins C and E, zinc), smoking cessation, diet rich in vegetables. New anti-complement treatments (pegcetacoplan, avacincaptad) approved.
Prevention
Smoking cessation (major risk factor), UV protection, Mediterranean diet, cardiovascular control.
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