by Jason S. Slakter, M.D.

Over the last few years, excitement over a growing number of potential new treatments for the exudative or wet form of macular generation has been growing.  It’s important to keep in mind, however, that as of today, there are still only two therapeutic approaches which have been proven in large-scale clinical trial and have been approved by the FDA.  These remain laser photocoagulation treatment (so called “hot laser”) and photodynamic therapy with Verteporfin (Visudune therapy or so called “cold laser”).

Laser photocoagulation is still used for blood vessels which occur outside the center of vision, while photodynamic therapy is used for blood vessels which occur under the center. Both of these therapies, while successful in many patients, are still limited in their ability to restore vision. Their primary goal is to stabilize vision as much as possible.

A number of very exciting drugs are currently under investigation for the treatment of Wet AMD.  Two different types of anti-growth agents (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor or anti-VEGF agents) are currently being studied.  The advantage of these drugs is that they can chemically shrink blood vessels and prevent further growth as well as reduce the leakage associated with this condition.  The disadvantage lies in the fact they must be injected directly into the eye on a regular basis (every 4 to 6 weeks) for an unknown period of time.  The current clinical trials will help determine whether both are effective and safe for this AMD.

Reprinted from Summer 2003 issue of the navh UPDATE, published by the National Association for the Visually Handicapped.