[Coping with wet age-related macular degeneration--a study from Switzerland]

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the quality of life of about 40,000 patients in Switzerland. The treatment of wet AMD with intravitreal injected anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can be a heavy burden for many patients. The aim of this study was to understand the quality of life of the patients and to seek ways to improve the treatment compliance.

Half-structured telephone interviews with 28 patients between 56 and 94 years of age were transcribed and analysed. In 21 patients, both eyes were concerned with AMD.

The quality of life of patients with AMD is reduced. Many activities of daily living are hindered. Dependence on others increases. Communication of the diagnosis is perceived as a shock. Most interviewees wish for more information about their specific situation. Auxiliary means and counselling possibilities are hardly known.

Wet AMD impacts on the quality of life of the patient. Treatment should therefore not be limited to the medical treatment of the ill eye. Triage to rehabilitation and counselling services should be included as important duties of the medical practitioners.