The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists welcomes a â€Åmajor step forward†in treating the most common cause of sight loss in New Zealand

The launch of a new class of drugs to treat a type of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the most common cause of blindness in New Zealand, is a major step forward in treatment of the disease, according to the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO).


The drugs, known as “anti-angiogenics”, prevent the formation of abnormal, new blood vessels in the eye. These blood vessels are responsible for visual loss in the so-called ‘wet’ type of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). According to RANZCO spokesman Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology Philip Polkinghorne: `Before the introduction of these new drugs we believed that once vision has been damaged, it couldn’t be restored. But research has shown that visual acuity can actually be significantly improved with Lucentis (ranibizumab) in around 25-40% of patients studied, and across all lesion types of wet AMD.’


AMD is a degenerative eye disease that affects the macula – the central part of the retina at the back of the eye that is responsible for the “straight ahead” central vision necessary for everyday activities like reading, driving, colour perception, telling time or identifying faces. The majority of wet AMD patients experience severe vision loss within two years of diagnosis. Until now there has been little public education about Wet AMD because very little could be done to manage the condition. The social costs of this cause of blindness are very high.


Professor Polkinghorne explained that: `These medicines are now available in the UK, Australia and the USA and New Zealand ophthalmologists are keen to treat their patients with these agents. Because of the media and the internet, patients are becoming increasingly aware of the new therapies. But the cost and resource implications of introducing these new therapies will be significant and we cannot expect New Zealanders to have to pay for the treatment out of their own pockets. AMD is predominantly a disease of patients aged over 65 years – and these drugs may need to be given for several years. Due to our ageing population, the cost of treating this condition is very likely to mushroom in the next decades.’


Notes:

1. Around 90% of people with AMD have dry (atrophic) macular degeneration, characterised by thinning of the macular retina. The other 10% have wet (exudative or neovascular) macular degeneration. However, wet AMD is responsible for the most profound lost of vision.

2. Wet AMD occurs where there is growth of abnormal new blood vessels in the choroid layer underneath the retina. The vessels can leak fluid and blood and cause scarring, which reduces vision.

3. Current treatments for AMD include: surgery to remove new blood vessels; and Visudyne photodynamic therapy (VPDT).


About The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO)

RANZCO is the professional body representing more than 850 ophthalmologists (medical eye specialists) in Australia and New Zealand. The College provides a range of services to improve the standard of eye care in Australia and New Zealand, and promotes scientific research and the training and education of ophthalmologists.