Hong Kong Ophthalmologist Warns Against Stopping Eye Injections for Wet Macular Degeneration
AM730 · 1 SOURCES1 day ago1 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong has approximately 500,000 people living with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), making it the second leading cause of visual impairment in the city. An ophthalmology specialist is urging patients with wet AMD not to discontinue intravitreal anti-VEGF injections after vision stabilizes, warning that stopping treatment can trigger disease reactivation and irreversible vision loss. New high-dose long-acting formulations now allow some patients to maintain vision with just two injections annually .
Key Points
- Wet AMD patients typically experience distorted vision, central dark spots, color perception changes, and progressive central vision decline .
- Without timely treatment, wet AMD can lead to severe complications including vitreous hemorrhage and retinal detachment .
- The treatment protocol begins with three initial loading-dose injections, followed by maintenance injections at intervals determined by disease activity .
- Traditional anti-VEGF injections require administration every one to two months, posing challenges for long-term patient compliance and treatment logistics .
- High-risk groups include adults aged 65 and above, as well as individuals with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, or smoking habits .
Why It Matters
Hong Kong's aging population means AMD prevalence is expected to rise, making adherence to treatment protocols increasingly critical for preventing avoidable blindness in the community .
Hong Kong's aging population means AMD prevalence is expected to rise, making adherence to treatment protocols increasingly critical for preventing avoidable blindness in the community .