Treatment Burden and Quality of Life of Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (nAMD) and Their Caregivers—A Review

Abstract

The growing incidence of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in India and its debilitating consequences, such as physical, psychological, and emotional stress, are a cause of significant concern. Failing eyesight due to nAMD hinders the ability of patients to perform daily tasks, leading to dependency on others – often resulting in anxiety and depression. Although treatment options such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGFs) are readily available, long-term treatment compliance is often compromised. Thus, it is important for health care providers to be aware of the burden associated with nAMD for both patients and caregivers. India, with its large urban and rural population base, faces varied challenges in health care accessibility and affordability. Further, there is a paucity of India-specific studies to ascertain patient and caregiver burden related to nAMD. A deeper understanding of disease awareness and treatment expectations from an Indian perspective may further help clinicians to provide optimum management to patients. The current review provides insights into the quality of life (QoL) and treatment-related burden for patients with nAMD and their caregivers. Further, it emphasizes the need of PAN-India studies to ascertain the patient and caregiver burden related to nAMD, which may assist in devising treatment algorithms and pricing policies suited to the Indian population and enable patients to receive quality eye care.