Patient discussions
Patients should receive education about their prognosis and the value of treatment.[4][40] Those with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or a family history should be taught to assess their own visual acuity, to identify and report relevant symptoms and to attend regular eye examinations for early detection of progression.[40][42] This is particularly important for patients with a high-risk AMD phenotype. For example, give patients an Amsler grid for regular monitoring and instruct them to present immediately with new visual changes. Patients with unilateral disease are advised to monitor vision in the fellow eye.[40] Patients receiving intravitreal injections should be counselled on the risk of ocular pain with treatment and their experience monitored.[129]
Patients affected by vision loss due to AMD may experience mental health problems. Clinic visits for intravitreal treatment can be an opportunity to explore the impact of AMD on the patient’s mental health and quality of life, and guide the patient towards seeking any necessary assistance.[130]
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