Jan, 56, developed a love for travel early in life, which inspired her to become a travel agent and fulfill many of her bucket list dreams, exploring and seeing various wonders around the world, including her favorite place – Buckingham Palace in London.
But in her 30s, Jan faced an unexpected turn when a visit with her ophthalmologist revealed troubling news: Her retinas were deteriorating. A test confirmed the diagnosis of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Over time, Jan began to experience more changes in her vision. Simple pleasures like reading became a daunting challenge. Words blurred into obscurity, and even a magnifying glass provided little assistance. Driving at night turned perilous as curbs seemed to vanish into the darkness—a stark reminder that her vision was failing.
Eventually, Jan’s AMD progressed to geographic atrophy (GA), the advanced form of AMD that can cause permanent vision loss. Her doctor explained it can be hereditary and typically affects those over 55.
This left Jan wondering, “Why me? Why now?”
Anyone can be affected by GA. However, certain risk factors have been linked to an increased chance of developing the disease, such as being an active smoker, having cardiovascular disease or having a family history of AMD. While much younger than the typical age associated with GA, Jan fell into some of these high-risk categories, for example, her maternal grandfather suffered from the disease.
In the U.S., 1.5 million people are estimated to have GA—up to 75% of whom are believed to be undiagnosed. The symptoms of GA can start subtly, as in Jan’s case, and may include:
- Seeing washed-out colors
- Difficulty seeing in low light or at night
- Straight lines that look wavy or crooked
- Blurriness or blank spots in the field of vision, making it difficult to recognize faces
- Loss of central vision, making it challenging to perform tasks like reading or driving
Anyone who experiences symptoms of GA should consider seeing an eye doctor immediately. Data suggests early diagnosis and treatment may help slow GA progression and assist with preserving vision longer.
Support System
Jan knew she couldn’t take on her diagnosis alone. It was natural for her to turn to her mom Carolyn (81), with whom she had always shared a special connection.
As GA forced Jan to surrender aspects of her independence, she increasingly leaned on Carolyn for assistance with day-to-day activities like cooking and reading. Jan loves to bake and considers Carolyn her sidekick in the kitchen, leaning on her for tasks that require more precision.
“She helps me measure ingredients out when I can’t read the numbers clearly,” Jan said. “For instance, when I’m using white measuring cups to measure flour or milk.”
At first, it was a different dynamic for the mother-daughter duo. They’ve always had a close-knit relationship, including a tradition of traveling together, but she wasn’t used to asking her mom for help. In fact, it used to be the other way around. However, the diagnosis has strengthened Jan and Carolyn’s bond; they rely on each other for support.
“I love the fact that I can count on her, and she can count on me,” Jan said. “She helps me, but she’s also my best friend.”
The biggest change Jan had to make following her diagnosis was to give up her driver’s license.
“This is what we have to do,” Carolyn told her daughter. “I have to drive you. You can’t drive anymore.”
Road to Treatment
When speaking with her retina specialist in 2023, Jan learned there were treatment options for GA, including IZERVAY™ (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution), a prescription eye injection used to treat geographic atrophy (GA). IZERVAY was proven to slow GA progression in two clinical trials evaluating 624 people with GA. In just one year, IZERVAY slowed GA progression by 18% to 35% compared to those who were not treated.
“When my doctor told me there were options out there for me, I was very hopeful,” said Jan.
Jan started treatment with IZERVAY and after several months, her retina specialist told Jan that her GA progression had slowed.
“I was so delighted for our family. It meant that she might be able to retain some independence,” said Carolyn.
The pair hasn’t allowed GA to stop them from nurturing their love of travel. In fact, it gives them more time to experience the things they love. Jan and her mom are already planning their next adventure – a cruise to celebrate Carolyn’s 82nd birthday.
“Having this time with my mom is a blessing,” Jan shared. “Being able to do things together, have fun together – it means the world to me.”
INDICATION AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is IZERVAY?
IZERVAY (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution) is a prescription eye injection, used to treat geographic atrophy (GA), the advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
What is the most important information I should know about IZERVAY?
Do NOT receive IZERVAY 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:
- Eye injections like the one for IZERVAY can cause an eye infection (endophthalmitis) or separation of layers of the retina (retinal detachment).
- 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.
- There is a risk of developing wet 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.
- IZERVAY may cause a temporary increase in eye pressure after the injection. Your healthcare provider will monitor this after each injection.
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
- Increase in eye pressure
- Blurred vision
- Wet age-related macular degeneration
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.
Please see full Prescribing Information for more information.
For more information on IZERVAY consult your eye care professional or visit IZERVAY.com.
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