How should I approach the management of a patient with newly diagnosed age-related macular degeneration?

For a patient with newly diagnosed age-related macular degeneration (AMD), first classify the AMD using the appropriate criteria, such as early or late AMD, based on fundus examination findings ¹.

If diagnosed with early AMD, provide information about the condition, its progression, and lifestyle modifications, including smoking cessation and diet ¹.

For late AMD, confirm the diagnosis with slit-lamp biomicroscopic fundus examination and consider referral to hospital eye services for further assessment and management ¹.

In cases of suspected late AMD (wet active), make an urgent referral to a macula service within 1 working day, and offer optical coherence tomography (OCT) to confirm the diagnosis ¹.

If confirmed with late AMD (wet active), offer anti-VEGF intravitreal treatment as soon as possible, ideally within 14 days of referral ¹.

Throughout management, involve the patient in decision-making, provide tailored information, and discuss treatment options, risks, and benefits ¹.