How Regular Checkups With An Ophthalmologist Can Prevent Blindness

KYW's Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It is called Wet Acute Macular Degeneration and it is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. It attacks people as they get older and this is one of the major reasons why regular visits to the ophthalmologist are essential. There are treatments that can help.

In fact a group of medications called the anti-angiogenic drugs are starting to show promise and it is backed up by studies. People in the study who were evaluated 5 years after starting treatment showed clear benefits from the therapies. The report is in the Journal Ophthalmology and it clearly supports the idea that regular treatment and follow ups can make a big difference. There is bad news.

According to the report, the vision improvements seen initially with anti-angiogenic therapy for wet acute macular degeneration are not permanent: after the first 2 years, despite continued treatment, visual acuity resumes a downward path. Researchers continue to work with patients to battle this puzzling condition.