Potenza, 09 May 2024 – The first stage of the campaign in 2024 starts from Potenza “Your point of view matters – don’t let eye disease stop you”to raise awareness about maculopathies, particularly Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (nAMD) and Diabetic Macular Edema (DME). The initiative is promoted by Roche Italy under the patronage of Association of Ocular Disease Patients (APMO), Macula Committee, Retina Italia ODV and Italian Society of Ophthalmological Sciences (SISO). The Lucanian stage is also sponsored byBasilicata Region.
The main objective is to do emerge the unmet needs of patients and caregivers, highlighting crucial aspects such as maintaining an active social and working life and emphasizingimportance of prevention as a fundamental tool to improve the quality of life of those living with this pathology.
With these objectives, during the campaign free screening will be carried out throughout the country, performed by a specialist via optical coherence tomography (OCT). An itinerary that stops in various Italian cities and that will start from Potenza onMay 11th at the Angelo Laurino Auditorium, Santa Cecilia complex (Piazza Don Pinuccio Lattuchella, Potenza).
Maculopathies are eye diseases that affect the area located in the center of the retina, i.e. the macula. The most widespread are the age-related macular degeneration And diabetic macular edemawhich mainly affect the people over 50, the most representative age group of the Italian population with a full social and often working life. These pathologies they also have a enormous impact on the quality of life of patients and their caregivers.
“Maculopathies have a significant impact on daily life, presenting complex challenges for those who live with them. The loss of autonomy, regardless of age, often discourages patients leading to a reduction in therapeutic adherence, but it is essential to recognize that there are resources and opportunities available to address this condition” explains the Doctor Aurora De Magistris, Medical Director Responsible for Medical Retina and Laser Treatments UOC Ophthalmology San Carlo Hospital in Potenza. “In this context, information linked to the different aspects of the pathology can play a decisive role in the diagnostic pathways and in maintaining positive adherence to therapy”.
Maculopathies are not all the same. Age-related macular degeneration affects the part of the retina responsible for clear, detailed central vision [1,2] and, depending on how the macula is damaged, there are two types: ‘dry AMD’ and ‘neovascular or wet AMD’. There Neovascular or “wet” AMD (nAMD) it is the most advanced form and is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of new abnormal blood vessels under the retina [3,4]. If left untreated, it can cause rapid and severe vision loss. About 20 million of people all over the world suffer from nAMDwhich is the leading cause of vision loss in over-60s [1,5,6]. In Italymainly affects the age group 65-69 years and over 85 with an incidence of 2.1% respectively [7] and 3.7% [8]. Also diabetic macular edema (DME) It is a serious vision disorder, a complication of diabetes (type 1 and type 2). In the world they are around 21 million the people who suffer from it. High glucose levels deteriorate the small blood vessels of the retina which, once damaged, begin to bleed and leak fluid into the macula. The accumulation of fluids then causes edema [2,10]. If not treated adequately it can lead to significant vision loss and worsening of the quality of life of patients affected by it [11,12].
To date, the main treatment for maculopathy involves the use of VEGF inhibitors[13] (vascular endothelial growth factor), a protein that stimulates the growth of new blood vessels. In most patients, VEGF inhibitors, administered through intravitreal injections, can improve vision if diagnosed early and treated promptly [14,15] and if performed in regular cycles over time. However, despite their positive impact on the therapeutic management of these pathologies, several problems still remain linked to the frequent administration of these treatments and, ultimately, to their long-term effectiveness after their suspension. Today, scientific research has made great strides forward and has made new treatments available with different mechanisms of action, which last longer over time and are highly effective.
“Promoting innovation and research in the healthcare sector by encouraging close collaboration between the Regional Health Service, hospitals and the territory represents the essential element for the integration of effective clinical pathways to be possible”, comments the Doctor Domenico Lacerenza, Director of the Ophthalmology Unit of the San Carlo Hospital in Potenza. “Maintaining an active, independent and healthy life is an objective that can be achieved through targeted prevention and adequate diagnostic-therapeutic pathways. For this reason it is necessary to raise citizens’ awareness and generate awareness in them of the importance of taking care of their well-being and visual health.”
Symptoms related to maculopathies can appear after a long time, sometimes when the pathology is in an advanced stage. It is for this reason that information, prevention and early diagnosis they become a fundamental piece to counter them.
“Today the level of information and knowledge of maculopathies is still inadequate, despite their diffusion. What emerges is a strong lack of information on therapeutic paths and on the daily difficulties that prevent patients from taking care of themselves”,comment Massimo Ligustro, President of the Macula Committee. “For years our associations have been operating throughout the national territory, dedicating themselves with commitment to promoting correct information and encouraging more widespread preventive practices”, goes on Assia Andrao, President Retina Italia OdV. “We believe it is essential to encourage a common dialogue between clinicians, patient associations and institutions in order to improve the patient journey and guarantee adequate support for them and their families”, he concludes Michele Allamprese, Executive Director of the Ocular Diseases Patients Association.
Starting from Potenza, the campaign will continue along the southern regions to raise awareness among citizens and encourage greater awareness and commitment to prevention.
