Mental health issues a concern for patients with wet AMD

The findings, published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology, indicate treatment that focuses solely on preventing further vision loss is not enough to ensure the wellbeing of patients. Anxiety relating to regular vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (anti-VEGF) and the fear of permanent vision loss were listed as two major concerns held be patients undergoing treatment.Lead author of the study, Dr Tariq Aslam, said the study donstrated the value of human interaction between clinician and patient with regard to offering reassurances around the efficacy and safety of the injections.“There have been amazing scientific achievents in diagnosing and treating serious eye diseases, such as wAMD, which have revolutionised our ability to reverse life-changing vision loss. However, we must not forget the human elent when applying all this to ensure all our patients can reap the full benefits of this cutting-edge science,” he said.“This study represents one of the largest and most detailed examinations of patients undergoing anti-VEGF therapy to date. It helps us understand how factors such as patients’ understanding and building strong relationships with healthcare professionals may help alleviate anxiety around receiving injections.”It was revealed 89% of patients covered by the study who displayed symptoms of anxiety and 91% that were suffering from depression did not receive adequate psychological and psychiatric treatment.Although these levels reduced once anti-VEGF therapy began, the study authors study said doctors still needed to be vigilant to ward off mental health complications amongst patients. They suggested the use of standardised tools designed to screen wet AMD patients for symptoms of anxiety and depression in order to better identify patients at risk.