Phoenix doc becomes first in US to perform groundbreaking surgery on patient with Wet AMD

Wet AMD, which impacts 1.5 million people in the US, can cause blindness if left untreated.

PUBLISHED JUL 25, 2024

Wet AMD is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels into the macula.

Phoenix, Arizona: Dr Jordan Graff of Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center, has become the first Retina Surgeon in the United States to provide a new groundbreaking solution for patients with Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) by offering treatment with Susvimo following the recent FDA approval of updates made to the ocular implant. Wet AMD, which impacts 1.5 million people in the US and 20 million people worldwide can cause blindness if left untreated.

Dr Graff became the first surgeon in the United States to perform the recently FDA-approved ocular implant.

Dr Jordan Graff specializes in retina and vitreous surgery and treatments. On July 22, he became the first surgeon in the United States to perform the recently FDA-approved ocular implant for the treatment of people in the US with wet, or neovascular, age-related macular degeneration.

"As a surgeon and clinical research scientist it is so gratifying to see this treatment option become available for my patients in need of sight-saving care," says Dr. Jordan Graff. "I'm very thankful for my amazing team in surgery, the research team, and to my practice for their support of this endeavor."

What is Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects the macula, the part of the eye that provides sharp, central vision needed for activities like reading. Wet AMD is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels, also known as choroidal neovascularization (CNV), into the macula. These vessels leak fluid and blood and cause scar tissue that destroys the central retina. This process results in a deterioration of sight over months to years.