Late-stage AMD patients remain underserved

Although there are several vision-improving devices available to patients with advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD), most have not been proven in actual clinical practice, leaving this patient population underserved, according to an article published Eye.

By 2040, an estimated 300 million people will be affected by AMD. It is currently the third-leading cause of blindness worldwide.

Current approaches to improving the visual performance of patients with advanced AMD include training to improve the use of residual vision and use of residual and low-vision aids, such as optical magnifiers and prism spectacles. There are however several limitations when utilizing external aids, including restricted visual fields, cosmetic drawbacks, and the need for continual motion of the head.

Intraocular lens (IOL) implants have been used in patients with advanced AMD to improve vision but data demonstrating their benefit have been primarily found in small studies or series with a short-term follow-up.

An implantable miniature telescope (IMT) is the only FDA-approved treatment for patients with advanced AMD.

“Because many patients go unidentified as possible candidates who can benefit from these newer technologies, there is a great opportunity to generate increased awareness for patients with low vision and those who care for them,” the authors concluded.

Reference
Borkenstein AF, Borkenstein EM, Augustin AJ. Implantable vision-enhancing devices and postoperative rehabilitation in advanced age-related macular degeneration. Eye (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41433-022-02179-z