New discoveries on macular degeneration in 2025: new hope for patients

On World Sight Day 2022, Retina International launched the data from a global study into the Socio-economic Impact of late-stage Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) in Bulgaria, Germany, and USA

The study provides an insight into the disease burden on patients and caregivers living with these conditions, as well as society at large. Three countries were selected to represent a range of different costs and experiences; the USA has the largest population of individuals impacted by a form of late-stage AMD

What is age-related macular degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that damages the macular region of the retina, leading to gradual and progressive loss of central vision.

Macular Degeneration Treatment Options：

Treatment depends on whether the AMD is dry (non-neovascular) or wet (neovascular).

• Treatment for Dry AMD (Early & Intermediate Stages)

1.AREDS2 Supplements

A combination of vitamins and minerals (Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, Copper, Lutein, Zeaxanthin) may help slow progression in intermediate-stage AMD.

2. Healthy Lifestyle choices

• Quit Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of AMD progression.
• Regular Exercise: Improves blood flow to the eyes.
• Blue Light & UV Protection:Wearing sunglasses and reducing excessive screen time can help protect retinal cells.
• Monitoring with an Amsler GridHelps detect changes in vision early.

Treatment for Wet AMD (Advanced Stage)

Anti-VEGF Injections：Anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) injections are a first-line treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) and other eye diseases involving abnormal blood vessel growth.

Common Anti-VEGF Medications

1. Ranibizumab (Lucentis) – FDA-approved for AMD, given every 4–6 weeks.
2. Aflibercept (Eylea) – May require fewer injections (every 8–12 weeks).
3. Bevacizumab (Avastin) – Originally a cancer drug but widely used off-label for AMD.
4. Faricimab (Vabysmo) – A newer drug that targets both VEGF and Ang-2, potentially extending treatment intervals.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)：

It is less commonly used today but may be recommended in specific cases, especially when anti-VEGF injections alone are not sufficient.

Advantages of PDT

✅ Targets abnormal blood vessels precisely.
✅ Less damage to surrounding retina compared to thermal laser treatments.
✅ Can be used in combination with anti-VEGF injections for better outcomes.

Laser Therapy (Less Common)

• High-energy lasers destroy abnormal blood vessels, but it's mainly for limited cases.

Low Vision Aids & Rehabilitation

• Magnifying devices, special glasses, and assistive technology can improve quality of life.

Emerging Treatments & Research

• Gene Therapy: Investigational treatments targeting genetic risk factors.
• Stem Cell Therapy: Studied for retinal cell regeneration.
• Long-acting Drug Implants: May reduce the need for frequent injections.

summary

Anti-VEGF injections and photodynamic therapy (PDT) are the two main methods for treating wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Anti-VEGF injections effectively control the disease and help maintain vision by inhibiting abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage, and are currently the preferred treatment option. PDT uses photosensitive drugs and low-energy lasers to selectively destroy abnormal blood vessels. It is suitable for specific types of wet AMD or used in combination with anti-VEGF to enhance efficacy. Although neither treatment can cure AMD, they can significantly delay disease progression and improve patients' quality of life. Based on individual conditions, doctors will develop a personalized treatment plan to achieve the best vision protection effect.