Queen's Park announced Ontarians suffering from Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) will now have access to the drug Lucentis.

Chronic disease

AMD is a chronic disease affecting central vision in people typically 50 years of age and older.

It affects an area of the retina responsible for detailed visual activities such as reading and facial recognition.

Lucentis works to maintain and even improve vision affected by wet AMD.

Ontario is the second province in Canada to fund the drug under its public drug program.

"Many people in Ontario, especially older people, will enjoy improved eyesight and quality of life with the availability of Lucentis through our publicly funded drug programs," said George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care.

There are two basic types of AMD, dry and wet.

Both types affect the eye's macula, located in the centre of the retina, which is responsible for detailed visual activities such as reading and driving.

Wet AMD is more severe and involves the leaking of blood and other fluids into the macula.

Approximately 10,000 patients are treated for AMD in Ontario each year, according to health officials.

The Ministry of Health will invest $100 million over three years to make the drug available.