Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is now the leading cause of severe vision loss in elderly people, currently affecting an estimated 25 to 30 million people worldwide. It is more likely to cause loss of vision than glaucoma, cataract, or diabetic retinopathy.

The sickness gradually destroys the macula, the central part of the retina at the back of the eye that is responsible for the straight ahead central vision necessary for identifying faces and doing everyday activities like reading, driving and sewing.

The fight against the illness has been taken to the next level with the introduction of Ranibizumab. The medicine was launched recently and has been clinically proven to improve vision .

The medication penetrates all layers of the retina to reach the site where blood vessels are being formed. In two recent studies, patients administered with the drug gained vision and experienced improved ability to do everyday activities.

AMD patient Norminda Daño, 73, shared how it significantly improved her vision and gave her a new lease on life. "I thought my blurred vision was a natural part of aging, but I noticed it wasn’t normal when every time I watch my favorite teleserye, there was always a black spot in the center of the television. When I started using the medication, I noticed that the blurring in my right eye has lessened, and I can now watch my favorite TV programs."

"People with AMD experience blurred vision. They also see crooked lines and less detail. If left untreated, AMD increases in severity which can lead to blindness. Because they lose the ability to perform ordinary activities independently, patients also become anxious, depressed and dependent," explained Dr. Harvey Uy, ophthalmologist and vitreoretina specialist at the Asian Eye Institute.

For years, no drug has been available for specific treatment of AMD. "While there are treatments approved for wet AMD, such as thermal laser photocoagulation and photodynamic therapy, they only delay the progression of vision loss," says Dr. Arnold Salud, also an ophthalmologist and vitreoretina specialist at The Medical City and American Eye Center,

"It blocks all known biologically active forms of vascular endothelial cell growth factor A (VEGF-A), the molecule believed to be a major underlying cause of wet AMD," said Dr. Francis Domingo, medical director of Novartis Healthcare Philippines.

To help prevent age-related blindness, Dr. Domingo urges those 50 and above to consult an eye doctor immediately for AMD screening. To know more about Ranibizumab, text: AMD <name> < inquiry> <contact no.> to 0917 8158944.