The Finnish national guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow‐up of patients with wet age‐related macular degeneration

Abstract

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is the main cause of visual impairment in developed countries. Several improvements in the visualization of posterior segment of the eye together with the introduction of intravitreal anti‐VEGF treatment have revolutionized the prognosis of the wet form of AMD (wAMD). Increasing incidence of wAMD together with the limited resources of society and of the healthcare system poses challenges for the provision and development of care. In context of these current aspects, we aimed to set evidence‐based medical guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow‐up of patients with wAMD.

Expression of VEGFA‐regulating miRNAs and mortality in wet AMD

“…Real‐world data (RWD) were monitored for up to 12 years. Finnish national guidelines for modified PRN ( pro re nata ) were applied in the follow‐up and treatments of wet AMD patients …”

Development and testing of a patient‐derived questionnaire for treatment of neovascular age‐related macular degeneration: dimensions of importance in treatment of neovascular age‐related macular degeneration

“…Repetitive treatment with intravitreal injection of inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) enables many patients to maintain adequate visual acuity (VA) and contributes to a reduction in the number of patients who are legally blind (Bloch et al 2012;Heier et al 2012). Even though national guidelines now are being developed (Tuuminen et al 2017), the impact of this repetitive treatment strategy seen from the patient perspective needs to be recognized and studied further (Lord & Dayhew 2001;Owen et al 2003;Bressler 2004;Boyle et al 2015;Senra et al 2016).…”

Improving eye care services with a lean approach

“…; Tuuminen et al. ). This lean‐oriented improvement process for Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy treatment protocol described here is a novel concept to the best of our knowledge.…”

“…Improvement and synchronization of the national treatment protocols for ophthalmic care in the most cost‐effective way were successful in collaboration with national legal and supervisory administrative organizations, with the utmost importance to create and implement sustainable and legally acceptable protocols for the benefit of patients with eye diseases (Tuuminen et al. ).…”