Wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) affects central vision which is used for reading and recognising faces. Vision loss is caused by inappropriate blood vessel growth and leakage at the back of the eye (known as the retina). The condition is treatable with anti-VEGF injections, which halts the blood vessel growth and deterioration of sight and in some cases improves vision.
Don't lose sight! Don't delay! - AMD campaign report
In recent years, there have been significant advances in the treatment of wet AMD and many examples of good practice across the country. Why then are people are still losing their sight from a treatable condition?
What we found:
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Far too many people are unaware of wet AMD and the need to act urgently upon noticing symptoms.
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Less than one third (31%) of patients were diagnosed within seven days as recommended by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists
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As a result of inadequate capacity in eye clinics, monitoring and treatment intervals are being extended in many centres leading to sub-optimal treatment.
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Commissioning of wet AMD services could be done much better
Find out more about the report
Lucentis and Avastin
For a drug to be approved for use on the NHS, it must first be considered by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), who ensure it is safe and effective. Following this, it is reviewed by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) who look at the cost-effectiveness of the drug.
Currently one anti-VEGF treatment (Lucentis) has been approved by the MHRA and NICE, while another is being used on the NHS (Avastin) but is unlicensed and has never been approved for use in the eye. Despite clinical trial data comparing these two drugs, there are opposing interpretations and views about the safety and efficacy of Avastin compared with Lucentis.
We are calling for:
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A review of the safety and efficacy of Avastin by the MHRA for use in the treatment of wet AMD.
Past campaign successes
After a two and a half year battle led by RNIB, NICE (the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) guidance published on 27th August 2008 now means that all patients in England and Wales with wet AMD will have access to the AMD treament Lucentis on the NHS.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment for wet AMD is now available on the NHS after long delays in the implementation of NICE (the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) guidance.
Read more about our previous AMD campaign