The eye health industry is most often promoting the benefits of regular screening to detect early signs of AMD, but how much do patients and professionals know about monitoring the condition?
Once the condition is detected then treatment needs to begin swiftly, and then effectiveness of treatment and progression of the disease needs to be monitored. Our MPS II device detects and protects against AMD, giving the patient the best chance of preserving their sight.
Three steps to managing AMD
- Detect: screen the patient to detect low levels of macular pigment
- Manage: via supplementation, diet and lifestyle choices to increase MP levels
- Monitor: schedule regular patient checks to monitor macular pigment levels and effectiveness of treatment
Establishing this routine, as well as a healthy relationship with the patient, improves treatment effectiveness as well as credibility of an ophthalmic practice.
Wet and dry AMD
The majority of patients develop dry AMD first, with around 10-15% progressing to wet AMD if the disease is not managed or detected late. Part of the need for early detection and regular monitoring is to prevent the wet stage developing, which causes more abrupt and irreversible central vision loss.
Traditionally the Amsler grid has been used to detect damage from wet AMD, although by the time it can be seen by the patient here there has already been significant damage. Using a screener like the MPS II will detect wet AMD before symptoms are far advanced, meaning treatment can be more effective.
The role of ophthalmologists
For professionals they must continue to highlight the importance of regular eye checks, to all their patients, but in AMD’s case to the over 50s. Large-scale screening remains challenging because of the cost effectiveness of it, so it falls to professionals to identify those most at risk.
Familiarity with risk factors is important for AMD, which include smoking, obesity and family history. Targeting patients with these concerns is a first port of call, which can be done when they visit and via awareness days and promotional material.
There are a number of awareness days dedicated to AMD and eye health including World Sight Day in October and National Eye Health Week in September.
Find out more about AMD and early screening in our recently published whitepaper, which also explores the case for monitoring the condition.
Read more about MPS II for full details on its capabilities in practice.