Direct injections to the eye are becoming a popular treatment for AMD

March 9, 2010

Individuals who are suffering from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may want to seek out a new method of treatment that involves injections, as this is becoming a popular way to stave off the progression of the eye disease, according to a new study. However, only a few ophthalmologists actually perform the procedure.

Researchers believe that while this treatment is continuing to advance, the limited number of eye care professionals who perform it could potentially block its growth.

"The remarkable number of injection procedures required with current administration regimens, together with the limited supply of ophthalmologists and retina subspecialists, has the potential to limit equitable access to intravitreal injections in some regions and may also negatively affect access to services for other vision-threatening eye conditions," the authors of the study, which was published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, write.

According to the American Optometric Association, there are currently 1.8 million Americans who suffer from AMD and an additional 7.3 million who are at risk for developing the eye disease.