Industry Leaders Set Forth Treatment Recommendations
The authors of the Practical Guidelines for the Treatment of AMD state, “Based upon our current understanding of AMD pathogenesis, the stages of subclinical, early, and intermediate AMD all represent different clinical manifestations of the same underlying disease process. Thus, the monitoring and treatment of the disease should be initiated at first detection, regardless of the stage.” ii
Taking Action to Preserve Vision
The Practical Guidelines set forth treatment recommendations for all stages of AMD.
Recommend Smoking Cessati
Smoking is the largest modifiable risk factor for the progression of both choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and geographic atrophy (GA).ii Current smokers carry a 2.5 to 4.8 times higher risk than non-smokers for late AMD,ii yet in one study, 90% of patients with AMD were not advised to stop smoking.ii
Prescribe Nutritional Supplementation
Although there is extensive debate about which supplements are most appropriate, evidence strongly supports prescribing nutraceuticals. On average, patients that take supplements have better outcomes than those who do not.ii
Discuss Diet and Exercise
Following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining overall health are sound goals for all patients.ii These lifestyle choices may act synergistically to prevent or delay onset or progression of AMD. One study found that women who followed a healthy diet, engaged in physical exercise, and avoided smoking had substantially lower risk of early AMD compared with women who did not follow these healthy choices.ii
Explain the Importance of Managing Other Chronic Diseases
Based on epidemiological studies, several systemic conditions increase the risk of developing AMD. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity have all been associated with increased risk of AMD and/or progression of AMD.ii Body mass index and abdominal obesity are independent risk factors for progression to advanced AMD.ii Primary eye care professionals can partner with primary care providers to co-manage patients’ health.
Prescribe Retinal Light Protection
Epidemiological evidence suggests that chronic sunlight exposure increases the risk of incident AMD and its progression.ii Based on increased study in this area, eye care professionals should consider recommending HEVL-blocking eyeglass lenses.
Monitor Disease Progression
For a patient with AMD, more frequent retinal examinations are recommended. Moving from a 12-month follow-up interval to a 6-month (or even shorter in some cases) follow-up interval may be useful for monitoring disease progression.ii More frequent visits provide the clinician increased opportunity to detect CNV before irreversible vision loss occurs.