For some, it could make things worse.
New research on a popular treatment for treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration suggests the approach might not be for everyone.
The study looked at intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections, according to the American Optometric Association.
The researchers found that sometimes vision worsens for patients receiving the treatment, AOA reports. Additionally, some patients sustain damage to cells in the kidneys.
AOA explains: “The treatment may inhibit some patients’ capability to make inhibitory complement factor H (CFH), a protective and regulatory molecule, the study says.” The research was published online last month by The Journal of Clinic Investigation.
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The researchers wrote: “Over 40 percent have stable or improved visual acuity, but 10 to 30 percent of patients treated develop reduced visual acuity with regular repeated injections over time.”
AOA quoted Dr. Steven G. Ferrucci, professor at Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University, saying that for optometrists, the findings are worth taking into account.
“While this is still not clear in humans, the point is that even minimal amounts of anti-VEGF intravitreally may have other effects in the body, so this needs to be monitored,” Ferrucci said.
Read more at AOA
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