Current Treatments in Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Dr. Mehmet Önen

Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara, Türkiye

ABSTRACT

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy with enhanced durability and extended intervals between visits has the potential to alleviate the treatment burden for several individuals with wet Age-related macular degeneration (wAMD). Monthly anti-VEGF injections may be considered the ‘gold standard’; none- theless, the treat-and-extend regimen should serve as the primary management method for the majority of patients, achieving a compromise between treatment efficacy and patient lifestyle preferences. Research indi- cates that certain anti-VEGF medications markedly enhance eyesight in cases with wAMD. Novel therapies for wAMD, including brolucizumab, faricimab, and aflibercept 8 mg, have shown visual improvements comparable to or superior to aflibercept 2 mg, the prevailing standard therapy. Nevertheless, several anti-VEGF injections and clinic visits create a therapeutic burden for both people and healthcare systems. The financial burden on the healthcare system and people jeopardizes treatment sustainability and adversely affects treatment outcomes. Researchers are developing innovative chemicals to decrease the necessary treatments while pre- serving or enhancing prior results. The Port Delivery System (PDS) containing ranibizumab is the first refillable eye implant for the treatment of wAMD. This method may provide constant and prolonged anti-VEGF therapy.

Keywords: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD); Wet AMD; Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); Anti-VEGF; Aflibercept; Ranibizumab; Bevacizumab; Conbercept; Brolucizumab; Faricimab; Apicibar; Port Delivery System (PDS); Fix-dosing regimen; PRN regimen; Treat and extend regimen

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