Statistics shows that there are more than two million Americans that live with age-related macular degeneration. Of those two million an estimated 10% will develop an even more severe condition known as neovascular macular degeneration also known as “wet” AMD. This condition is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels from the choroid underneath the macula. The patients who progress to “wet” AMD typically experience a more rapid decline in their vision than those of “dry” AMD.
Let’s face it; permanent loss of our central vision is a terrifying thought for anyone. Even more terrifying is that there have been few available treatments for this blinding disease until the recent introduction of eye injections. Two anti- aging drugs: Lucentis and Avastin are commonly used to help manage wet AMD. Most injections for neovascular (wet) AMD typically are recommended administered via intravitreal injection once a month. However, the argument is that the so-called “good” doses are causing more harm than good to patients receiving them. Dr. Edward Kondrot refers to these injections as the “Watergate of eye care” and is on somewhat of a crusade to increase the awareness of the controversial treatment.
Kondrot believes that patients in his words have been “bullied into getting the injections for their wet AMD…and the side effects of Anti-VEGF do not outweigh the benefits.” Kondrot further adds that the systemic side effects of the drug can include: “myocardial infarction, angina, hemorrhage, hypertensive crisis, and congestive heart failure to name only a few….”
Kondrot also believes that the injections enhance the occurrence of retinal detachment, glaucoma as well as cataracts. He references a study by the University of Pennsylvania in which 18% of patients receiving the injections were found to have developed some of the serious complications mentioned above.
There are of course, safe and effective alternatives to this injection and Kondrot believes many patients can be helped by various treatments including microcurrent therapy, cold laser therapy, syntonic light therapy and other virtually risk-free methods which you can find a further discussion of on his website (link provided at end).
Early prevention is the important key, regular check ups, and Kondrot recommends improving diet, reducing stress and chelation therapy among some of the strategies available.
Kondrot is clear, he is saying only to not be “bullied” or told that the injection is the “only” treatment available for wet AMD. He cautions everyone no matter what their diagnosis to seek all the information available, seek more than one opinion and education yourself to the alternatives and then make an informed decision, not one made from fear and a place of non-education. He urges that you begin safely by trying alternatives and if you do not see or like the results you are receiving, then consider the injections but cautions to be aware of the risks involved.
Additional information on this and other eye related topics at the American Optometric Association.
