“The best macular
degeneration treatment
results seem to be dependent on some select predictive factors for success and
outcome with Lucentis® injections,” said Dr.
Leslie Doctor, a Connecticut eye doctor with Fairfield County offices in Westport, Wilton &
Norwalk, CT. “The good news is that by looking at these predictive factors we have
been able to establish a number of diagnostic
and treatment parameters that can be used to optimize treatment and monitoring
regimens in order to help patients get the best possible results,” Dr. Doctor
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
Doctor & Associates at
203-227-4113 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 Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113, visiting
Doctor
& Associates in Fairfield County or facebook.com/doctorandassociates to
schedule an appointment.
Doctor & Associates is a
leading Fairfield County Connecticut eye care practice with offices at 129 Kings Highway North,
Westport, Connecticut 06880, 195 Danbury Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897 and 148
East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851.
