There is a new injectable drug treating both types of macular degeneration offering a more flexible dosing regimen than present medications. Vabysmo has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is a new and effective treatment for macular degeneration, an eye disease causing vision loss.
Living with Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration has no early symptoms, may be painless, and goes undiagnosed for too long when people are not well-informed about this leading eye disease. By the time macular degeneration is detected by a medical professional, it can have become well advanced.
There are two macular degeneration conditions that cause vision loss:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Diabetic macular edema (DME)
The FDA approval, and introduction of Vabysmo to the market, is welcome news for those living with AMD or DME.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Symptoms
AMD is a condition describing a physical disturbance in the center of your retina – the macula. AMD is one of the leading causes of low vision or loss of eyesight in people over 50.
Wet-AMD symptoms include:
- Bleeding
- Leaking
- Scarring
- Growth of abnormal blood vessels behind the retina
AMD attacks the central vision and makes you unable to see sharp details.
Diabetic Macular Edema
DME causes blood vessels in the walls of the retina to weaken and form bulging pouches, resulting in the loss of central vision.
DME symptoms include:
- Leaking blood
- Leaking fluids
- Swelling of the retina
Macular Degeneration Treatment
Vabysmo targets dual Ang-2/VEGF-A, the two pathways believed to be responsible for vision loss. When these routs are blocked, Vabysmo reduces the leakage and inflammation of blood vessels. The main benefit of Vabysmo treatment is that it requires fewer injections less frequently than other similar medications.
Protect Your Vision From Macular Degeneration
Regular eye examinations are the most proactive method of protecting your vision from macular degeneration. However, when a drastic change in your vision occurs between regular appointments, you should seek medical attention immediately. If you are symptomatic of macular degeneration, don’t procrastinate. Call 209-952-3700 and reach out to the Central Valley Eye Medical Group today. One of our experienced, board-certified ophthalmologists serving the communities of Stockton, Manteca, or Modesto, CA, can help.
