Macular Degeneration Treatment in Mumbai — Sentra Clinic, Malad East
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of central vision loss in people over 60 in India. It affects the macula — the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision — making it difficult to read, recognise faces and drive. At Sentra Clinic, Malad East, Dr. Rohit Modi (FRCS Glasgow, ICO Fellowship in retinal diseases) provides comprehensive AMD diagnosis and treatment, including anti-VEGF injections for wet AMD and monitoring protocols for dry AMD.
AMD is not curable, but with early detection and timely treatment, vision loss can be significantly slowed or stabilised. The key is urgent evaluation at the first sign of symptoms — distorted central vision, a blank or dark spot in the centre, or sudden worsening of vision.
👁️ AMD caught early can be treated. Sudden visual distortion? Call now.
Types of Macular Degeneration
Wet AMD (Neovascular AMD) — Urgent Treatment Needed
Abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula and leak fluid or blood, causing rapid, severe central vision loss. Wet AMD requires prompt anti-VEGF injections — the sooner treatment begins, the better the visual outcome. Without treatment, wet AMD can cause legal blindness within weeks to months. Anti-VEGF injections (Bevacizumab, Ranibizumab, Aflibercept) are given as a series of intraocular injections at Sentra Clinic's in-house procedure room.
Dry AMD (Atrophic AMD) — Monitoring & Prevention
The more common form — about 85% of AMD cases. Gradual accumulation of drusen deposits under the retina causes slow, progressive central vision loss over years. Currently no injection therapy exists for dry AMD, but nutritional supplementation (AREDS2 formula: lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, E, zinc) slows progression. Regular OCT monitoring at Sentra detects conversion to wet AMD early — allowing prompt treatment if it converts.
Symptoms — When to See a Retina Specialist Urgently
Distorted or Wavy Lines
Straight lines appearing bent or wavy — test with the Amsler Grid (a grid of straight lines). Any waviness or distortion in the central squares is a red flag for wet AMD.
Central Dark or Blank Spot
A grey, dark or blank area in the centre of vision — when reading, the letters in the middle of a word disappear. This indicates central scotoma from macular damage.
Blurring of Central Vision
Fine details — faces, text, the dial of a clock — become progressively blurry despite new glasses. If glasses don't help central blur in a person over 60, a macular evaluation is essential.
Faded or Washed-Out Colours
Colours appearing less vivid or saturated, particularly in the central visual field. This reflects photoreceptor damage in the macula.
Difficulty in Dim Light
Trouble seeing in low light — reading a menu in a dim restaurant or recognising faces in the evening. Macular disease particularly affects the cone photoreceptors responsible for detailed, colour and bright-light vision.
Need for Brighter Light
Needing increasingly bright illumination for reading or detailed work. Often initially attributed to "normal ageing" — but progressive need for brighter light warrants a retinal evaluation.
AMD Diagnosis at Sentra Clinic, Malad East
- OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography): High-resolution cross-sectional imaging of the macula. Detects fluid, drusen, and structural changes that determine AMD type, severity and treatment response. This is the most important investigation for AMD monitoring.
- Fundus Photography: Colour photography of the retina documenting the extent of drusen and atrophy.
- OCT-Angiography (OCT-A): Non-invasive imaging of the blood vessels under the retina — detects the neovascular membrane of wet AMD without the need for intravenous dye injection.
- Amsler Grid Testing: Simple grid chart test that patients can perform at home and bring results to each visit — helps detect changes between appointments.
- Visual Acuity and Contrast Sensitivity: Quantifies the functional impact of AMD on daily vision.
Anti-VEGF Injection Therapy for Wet AMD
Anti-VEGF (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor) injections are the standard of care for wet AMD globally. They stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels and reduce fluid under the retina, preserving or even slightly improving central vision. At Sentra Clinic:
- Injections available: Bevacizumab (Avastin), Ranibizumab (Lucentis), Aflibercept (Eylea) — choice based on disease activity and cost considerations.
- Protocol: Loading phase of 3 monthly injections, then treat-and-extend or PRN (as-needed) protocol based on OCT monitoring.
- Procedure: Intravitreal injection under topical anaesthesia — approximately 15 minutes at the clinic. Mild discomfort; no patching needed.
- Follow-up: OCT monitoring every 4–8 weeks during active treatment; extended to 12 weeks when stable.
What Patients Say
"My mother, 72, was diagnosed with wet AMD when she suddenly couldn't recognise faces. We were devastated. Dr. Modi started Eylea injections immediately. After 3 injections, her OCT showed the fluid was resolving and her reading vision improved. She is now on a maintenance protocol and can read large print again. We are grateful beyond words for the prompt treatment."
— Geeta Ramakrishnan, Malad East · Wet AMD — Eylea Injections"My father had dry AMD and we were managing elsewhere, but the monitoring wasn't regular. Dr. Modi put him on a strict 4-monthly OCT schedule and AREDS2 supplements. When his OCT showed a choroidal neovascular membrane forming — early wet AMD — Dr. Modi called us immediately and started injections. Quick action saved his central vision."
— Rajan Nair, Goregaon East · Dry-to-Wet AMD Conversion — Prompt TreatmentSentra Clinic at a Glance
Frequently Asked Questions — AMD
Can macular degeneration be cured?
AMD cannot be completely cured, but it can be effectively treated and managed. Wet AMD responds well to anti-VEGF injections, which can stabilise or partially restore vision in most patients when started promptly. Dry AMD is managed with nutritional supplementation and regular monitoring for conversion to wet AMD.
How often are anti-VEGF injections needed?
The initial loading phase involves 3 monthly injections. After that, the frequency is adjusted based on OCT findings — typically every 6–12 weeks in stable disease, monthly during active fluid recurrence. Dr. Modi follows a treat-and-extend protocol to minimise injections while maintaining disease control.
What is the Amsler Grid and how do I use it?
The Amsler Grid is a simple checkerboard pattern with a central dot. Cover one eye, fix on the central dot, and check whether the surrounding grid lines appear straight or wavy. Any waviness, blank spots or distortion — especially if new — should prompt an urgent call to the clinic. We can provide you with a printed Amsler Grid at your visit for home monitoring.
Can AMD affect both eyes?
Yes — AMD is a bilateral condition, though it often affects one eye more severely and earlier. When AMD is diagnosed in one eye, there is a higher risk of it developing in the fellow eye. Both eyes are monitored at every visit at Sentra Clinic.
👁️ Macular degeneration: early treatment saves vision.
