Wet AMD: preparing for your eye appointments

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition associated with damage to the macula. The macula is the part of the eye that enables central vision, or “straight ahead” vision. Central vision is what enables a person to read, drive, and recognize faces.

Located in the back of the eye, the macula is made of light-sensitive cells called photoreceptor cells. AMD causes the gradual loss of these cells. In the early stages, this may not cause any noticeable symptoms. As AMD progresses, more photoreceptors are lost, and symptoms will become worse.

Wet AMD is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration. It is called “wet AMD” because it involves abnormal blood vessels that leak blood and fluid into the macula. It can cause severe vision loss, symptoms can occur suddenly and progress quickly, and it can lead to blindness, especially when left untreated.

The most commonly used treatment for wet AMD is injections of anti-VEGF medications. These medications block a protein associated with abnormal blood vessel formation and leakage (vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF). Anti-VEGF therapy cannot cure wet AMD, but it can slow the progression of wet AMD.

Preparing for an appointment

You will always get more out of a healthcare appointment if you show up prepared. This is true for eye appointments as well as other types of healthcare appointments.

One of the best things you can do to prepare for an appointment is to bring notes on what you want to discuss. This includes questions you want to ask as well as information you want to share.

Below are some ideas to help you get started.

What to ask your eye care provider:

• How would you describe the severity of the AMD?
• What is the risk for AMD progressing? How quickly can AMD progress?
• What vision changes can I expect? What changes should I watch for?
• Do I have any other eye conditions in addition to AMD? Am I at risk for other types of AMD or other eye conditions?
• What is causing or contributing to AMD?
• What lifestyle changes can I make to help protect my vision?
• What treatment approach do you recommend? How does this treatment work? Why do you recommend this treatment approach?
• If you are recommended a treatment administered with eye injections: What is the injection process like? How will an injection feel?
• Do you recommend any low vision aids? Should I work with a low vision specialist?
• What other recommendations do you have?

If you have questions about your diagnosis or treatment options, your healthcare provider will be your best source of information.

What to share with your eye care provider:

• Any changes in your vision that you’ve noticed and/or any changes in how your eyes feel, especially recent changes or changes since your last appointment.
• How AMD is impacting your day-to-day life. For example, tell your eye care provider about any tasks that have become difficult or more challenging, if your moods or behavior have changed, or if you have concerns about your health and safety.
• Any concerns you have about starting or continuing treatment for AMD, such as the out-of-pocket costs, anxiety about injections, or difficulty getting to and from appointments.
• Your eye care provider should have up-to-date information on your medical history, including any health conditions you’ve been diagnosed with and contact information for other healthcare providers you work with. Also, they should know about any habits and health conditions that can contribute to AMD, including history of smoking, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease.
• Your healthcare provider should have a list of any medications you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements (including herbal supplements).

It can help to have notes to refer to during your discussion. It can also help to have a friend or loved one accompany you to your appointments to take notes, help you refer to your notes, and provide support.