More Than a Visit: The Relationship That Shapes Care
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The relationship between a patient and their physician is crucial, shaped by shared decision-making, honest conversations and the steady navigation of unexpected changes. For patients managing progressive retinal diseases, like geographic atrophy (GA), this relationship may play a critical role in protecting not only retina cells, but confidence and independence as well.
For Ken, that relationship began more than a decade ago with his retina specialist, Dr. Arshad Khanani, Managing Partner, Director of Clinical Research and Director of Fellowship at Sierra Eye Associates in Reno, Nevada.
At age 77, Ken was still working as an usher at a luxury movie theater - an environment he enjoys for its social connection and daily routine. One morning in 2016, during a typical shift, he noticed something unexpected. Standing beside a large, illuminated IMAX® sign he had seen countless times before, Ken realized he could no longer clearly see the small registered trademark symbol off to the side.
"In my right eye, I could not read the 'R' without moving my eye up and down or side to side," recalls Ken. "There were waves in my vision and I knew right away that something wasn't right. I immediately called my optometrist, and I was introduced to my new retina specialist, Dr. Khanani, by 6 p.m. that same evening."
Family history had already shaped Ken's expectations of his eyesight. Growing up, he watched his mother navigate life with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), so he was aware that his own vision may eventually be affected.
"When I first met Ken, I confirmed his diagnosis of dry AMD and explained the path forward when dealing with a progressive retinal disease," Dr. Khanani recalls. "By 2020, his dry AMD had advanced to geographic atrophy (GA), and he completely lost the central vision in his right eye."
What is geographic atrophy?
GA is the advanced form of dry AMD and leads to progressive, irreversible vision loss. In the U.S., GA affects an estimated 1.5 million people, many of whom remain undiagnosed due to subtle or gradual symptom onset.
"GA can begin with changes that are easy to miss," explains Dr. Khanani. "Patients may notice washed-out colors, distorted or wavy lines, blank or blurry areas in central vision, or increasing difficulty with tasks like reading, driving, or seeing in low light."
The disease can progress unpredictably, and sometimes faster than expected, which is why early diagnosis and proactive care are essential.
Ken's path to treatment
As Ken's GA progressed, Dr. Khanani discussed treatment options with him, outlining both benefits and risks. In 2023, Ken began treatment with IZERVAY® (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution), an FDA-approved prescription eye injection proven to help slow the progression of GA.
"While there currently is no cure for GA, IZERVAY targets overactive components of the immune system that may contribute to retinal cell damage," says Dr. Khanani. "The goal is to slow disease progression and help preserve remaining vision for as long as possible."
In two clinical trials involving 624 participants, IZERVAY demonstrated an 18%-35% reduction in GA progression over one year compared to those who were untreated. Individual results may vary.
Do NOT receive IZERVAY if you have an infection in or around your eye, or if you have active swelling in or around your eye that may include pain and redness. Please see additional Important Safety Information below.
For Ken, the concept of preservation was meaningful. "Because of Dr. Khanani's transparency and guidance, I felt confident that I was receiving excellent care with the latest advancements," he says. He remains committed to regular appointments and proactive management. "I see every step I take now as an investment in the future," he says. "It's about choosing action and staying hopeful."
The importance of proactive care
"Proactivity is key - everyone should get their eyes checked annually. Luckily, we now have treatments for GA that may help slow the disease progression," says Dr. Khanani. "My goal with Ken, and all my patients, is to redefine the mindset around GA care, navigate their journey alongside them and truly understand the emotional significance behind each treatment decision."
Ken's experience underscores the impact of early detection, consistent care, and a strong patient-physician partnership. "Being diagnosed early has made all the difference," he reflects. "I often think about how different things could have been for me if I had waited."
Ken has never measured life by age. Now age 88, he moves through life with intention and chooses to share his story to give others confidence of their own. As he approaches his 90th birthday celebration with family and friends, he's already looking forward to a night full of laughter and storytelling. "Because life isn't about slowing down," he says. "It's about savoring every moment, believing in what comes next."
This article reflects Ken's experience at the time of printing. Dr. Khanani and Ken were both compensated for their participation in this article.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND USE
Do NOT receive IZERVAY® (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution) if you:
- Have an infection in or around your eye
- Have active swelling in or around your eye that may include pain and redness
IZERVAY can cause serious side effects including:
- Eye Infection and Retinal Detachment: Eye injections like the one for IZERVAY can cause an eye infection (endophthalmitis) or separation of layers of the retina (retinal detachment).
- Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): There is a risk of developing wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with IZERVAY. You should report any symptoms (visual distortions such as straight lines seeming bent, deterioration in vision, dark spots, loss of central vision) to your healthcare provider to monitor.
- Increase in Eye Pressure:IZERVAY may cause a temporary increase in eye pressure after the injection. Your healthcare provider will monitor this after each injection.
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have redness of the eye, eye pain, increased discomfort, worsening eye redness, blurred or decreased vision, an increased number of small specks floating in your vision, flashes of light, or increased sensitivity to light.
Before receiving IZERVAY tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions including if you:
- Have a history of seeing flashes of light or small specks floating in your vision and if you have a sudden increase of size and number of these specks.
- Have high pressure in the eye or if you have glaucoma.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.
- Are taking any medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Tell your healthcare provider about any medicine you take.
What should I avoid while receiving IZERVAY?
- Your vision may be impaired after receiving an eye injection or after an eye exam. Do not drive or use machinery until your vision has recovered sufficiently.
What are the most common side effects of IZERVAY?
- Blood in the white of the eye
- Blurred vision
- Increase in eye pressure
- Wet AMD
- Mild corneal irritation
- Eye pain
These are not all the possible side effects of IZERVAY. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is IZERVAY?
IZERVAY is a prescription eye injection, used to treat geographic atrophy (GA), the advanced form of dry AMD.
Please clickhere to see accompanying full Prescribing Information.
Source: BrandPoint
