Best AMD Treatment Results

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center eye doctor Scott Buck, M.D. commented on age related macular degeneration (AMD) treatment results and the predictive factors for best success and outcome with Lucentis® injections. “We know that there can be considerable variation in patient responses to the Lucentis® injections we use to treat age related macular degeneration,” said Dr. Buck. “We have been able to use this information to our advantage in establishing a number of diagnostic and treatment parameters to help patients get the best possible results,” Dr. Buck 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 Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223 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 schedule regular eye exams by calling Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser. 

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center in Valparaiso, IN is staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear  and optical services. We are conveniently located for patients seeking eye care from throughout northern Indiana including La Porte, Mishawaka, South Bend, Michigan City, Crown Point, Merrillville, Chesterton, South Haven, Westville, Hebron, Lowell, Valparaiso and Walkerton as well as Chicago, Illinois suburban areas of Frankfurt, Calumet City, Monee and Crete.