New treatments for AMD

05/04/2024

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that affects people over 50 years of age, causing a loss of visual acuity due to the presence of lesions in an area of the retina called the macula. The macula is responsible for central vision, which is necessary for daily activities such as reading, driving, or watching television.

AMD is the most common cause of severe vision loss in the Western world. In Spain, the percentage of people over 85 years of age affected is 13%. According to estimates from some studies, the prevalence of AMD ranges from 1% among those aged 65 to 74 years to 5% among those aged 75 to 85 years. Considering the increasing life expectancy, it is estimated that the prevalence of AMD may double in the next 20 years.

Regarding treatment, in a few months, we will have intravitreal injections to address certain types of atrophic AMD. These injections manage to slow down the growth of atrophy areas over time.

As for the treatment of neovascular AMD, the main obstacle we encounter is the high number of intravitreal injections needed to control the condition and avoid progressive loss of visual acuity in patients. Currently, we have new generation injections: faricimab (Vabysmo®) and brolucizumab (Beovu®). These achieve better control of the disease with fewer injections, which is especially useful in this chronic condition.

Dr. Santiago Abengoechea, ophthalmologist at the Barraquer Ophthalmology Centre