What Happens If You Stop Eye Injections for Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
There are two types of age-related macular degeneration (AMD): dry AMD and wet AMD. Treatment for both types often involves injecting prescription medications into the eye to help prevent further vision loss.
For dry AMD, eye injections can slow atrophy (an area of cell loss) in the eye. For wet AMD, eye injections can reduce the formation and leakage of abnormal blood vessels.
What happens if you stop these eye injections?
If you have wet AMD, you can't abruptly stop your prescribed eye injections. At your next appointment, you can talk with your doctor about the different protocols for extending and potentially stopping injections.
For example, the 'treat-extend-stop' protocol involves extending monthly injections to once every 12 weeks, and then stopping altogether. Your eyes and vision will still need to be monitored to ensure your eyes and current vision are not worsening.
New research shows people with wet AMD may be able to safely stop eye injection therapy
A retrospective study that examined the treat-extend-stop protocol found that 37.3% of 385 eyes treated for wet AMD met the criteria for stopping injection therapy. Of these 143 eyes, 70.6% required no further intervention. Of those that experienced recurrence, 54.8% recovered their vision to the point when the injections were stopped, after retreatment.
In a recent pilot study, researchers discovered that 30% of people with wet AMD may be able to safely stop eye injection therapy without risking further vision loss.
The study analyzed treatment outcomes for 106 people with wet AMD between 2013 and 2020. Participants were placed on a closely monitored injection schedule, and researchers determined which participants still required injections and which could be paused.
Patients who stopped anti-VEGF treatments in at least one eye showed the best outcome, with less fluid and improved vision compared with those who required continued injections to maintain their vision.
Researchers then looked for biomarkers (measurable indicators) that might determine why certain participants could stop injections. They found differences in eye fluid proteins between people who were able to stop treatments and those who required ongoing monthly treatment.
While this study's results are promising, you should not stop your prescribed eye injections without first talking with your doctor. These injections are intended to prevent further vision loss, and stopping could jeopardize that goal.
Importance of monitoring age-related macular degeneration
If you've been diagnosed with age-related AMD, it's important to have your vision monitored regularly to ensure the preservation of the vision you have.
If you're receiving injections for dry or wet AMD, talk with your eye doctor about whether you might be able to pause or increase the timing in between injections.
They can monitor disease progression and provide the best treatment recommendations for the health of your eyes and vision.
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