Age-related macular degeneration, a condition that makes it difficult or impossible for people to continue doing the everyday things they love to do, is a common eye problem.
People with macular degeneration might have what’s referred to as “wet” or “dry” deterioration, or may suffer from both types of the disease.
Understanding Dry and Wet Macular Degeneration
Dry macular degeneration is more common than wet macular degeneration (wet AMD), making up an estimated 85-90 percent of cases. It is also possible for dry macular degeneration to later turn into the wet version of the condition. When someone has dry macular degeneration, deposits form and accumulate under the retina. This can result in blurry or spotty vision.
In a patient with wet AMD, the membrane that supports the retina breaks down and new, fragile blood vessels form. When these blood vessels leak and bleed, it can cause scarring and damage that can lead to rapid vision loss. 90 percent of cases of legal blindness stem from wet AMD.
Lucentis as a Possible Treatment
If you have been diagnosed with wet age-related macular degeneration, one possible treatment your doctor may recommend is Lucentis. Lucentis is an FDA-approved treatment that is available only with a prescription from, and administration by, your ophthalmologist. Lucentis is an injectable medication designed to control the growth of the abnormal blood vessels in people with wet AMD.
Is Lucentis Painful? Is it Safe?
Before giving you a Lucentis injection, your eye will be numbed so you won’t feel any pain. It’s also important to try to prevent eye infections, so your eye will be cleaned first. Although you should not experience any pain, you may feel some pressure, which should go away after the injection is administered. While Lucentis can provide benefits to some patients, like any prescription medication, there are some potential side effects. Eye infections can be problematic, which is why it is so important for your eye care team to prep your eye before the procedure.
Lucentis may cause pressure in the eye and, although they’re not frequent, it is possible for blood clots, detached retinas or cataracts to occur as a result of Lucentis injections for macular degeneration. Many patients who have undergone Lucentis injections experience some minor eye pain, redness, increased production of tears, and non-eye related side effects including (but not limited to) headaches, respiratory infections and other common, treatable medical conditions.
New Vision Eye Center Can Help
At New Vision Eye Center in Vero Beach, FL, we care about your vision. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, talk to your eye doctor about possible treatment options, including the administration of Lucentis injections. No one treatment is right for every patient, so it is important to explore and understand your options, including the potential benefits and possible side effects of each.
To learn more, and to schedule an appointment, contact us online or call us at 772-257-8700 today.