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New Drugs For Age-Related Macular Degeneration

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - As people get older the number of cases of age-related macular degeneration which can cause progressive blindness increase.

Around the world, approximately 20% of people aged 60 years and older have the early stages of this disease. The development of two drugs, ranibizumab and bevacizumab, have transformed care for age related macular degeneration. Studies suggest they can prevent severe vision loss in 95% of patients, and significantly improve vision in 40%.

But there are lifestyle changes you can make to help: avoiding cigarettes can help, as can watching your calories. There is also information that vitamins A, C, E and Zinc can help.

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