Macular Degeneration Treatment
If you’ve been diagnosed with macular degeneration, or are experiencing changes in your central vision, our advanced treatment options can help manage the condition and preserve your vision.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a very common eye problem and the most frequent cause of visual impairment in people older than 60. This condition affects the macula—the central part of the retina responsible for your sharpest and clearest vision. Over time, the macula deteriorates, leading to a gradual decrease in central vision.
Macular degeneration tends to cause a slow decline in vision over many years or even decades. The primary cause of macular degeneration is your genetics; other lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, and UV exposure can contribute.
While there is currently no cure, certain treatments can slow and even halt the progression of the disease. Macular degeneration only affects central vision, meaning it does not cause total blindness. Typically patients retain their side vision.
How Macular Degeneration Affects Your Vision
As macular degeneration develops, clear, normal vision becomes impaired by a general haziness. With advanced macular degeneration, a blind spot forms at the center of your visual field, making it difficult to see straight lines clearly or perform tasks like reading.
Types of Macular Degeneration
- Dry Macular Degeneration: This is the most common form of macular degeneration, affecting about 85% of patients. It causes a slow, progressive decrease in central vision over a time span of many years. While most patients do not develop abnormal blood vessels, there is always a risk that these could develop at any time. To monitor your condition, use an Amsler Grid—the piece of paper with the straight lines provided during your appointment. If you notice distortion in the lines, contact your eye doctor immediately.
- Wet Macular Degeneration: About 10 to 15% of patients with macular degeneration will develop abnormal blood vessels under the retina, known as wet AMD. These blood vessels can leak fluid or blood, causing rapid and severe vision loss within days or weeks. Early detection is important; if caught before significant damage occurs, treatments can prevent or delay further vision loss. Treatments include anti-VEGF injections to control the abnormal blood vessels and prevent severe vision loss.
Benefits of Receiving Treatment
There are many benefits to receiving treatment for macular degeneration, including:
- Slowing the progression of vision loss
- Stabilizing central vision
- Improving quality of life by maintaining the ability to perform daily tasks
- Reducing the risk of developing severe vision loss
Are You a Candidate for Macular Degeneration Treatment?
You might be a candidate for macular degeneration treatment if you have been diagnosed with:
- Blurred or distorted central vision impacting daily activities
- A family history of macular degeneration
- Early-stage or intermediate-stage dry macular degeneration
- Wet macular degeneration with abnormal blood vessel growth
What to Expect
Your eye specialist at the Center for Retina and Macular Disease will evaluate your eyes, using tools such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to capture detailed images of your retina and assess the extent of the damage. Based on your specific condition, several treatment options could be recommended:
- Anti-VEGF Injections: For wet macular degeneration, injections of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) medications can be administered directly into the eye. These injections help to stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels and prevent further leakage, thereby stabilizing or even improving vision.
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): This treatment involves injecting a light-sensitive drug into the bloodstream, which then accumulates in the abnormal blood vessels in the eye. A cold laser is used to activate the drug, causing it to close off these blood vessels without damaging the surrounding tissue. PDT is typically used in combination with anti-VEGF injections.
- Nutritional Supplements: For dry macular degeneration, specific vitamins and minerals (such as the AREDS2 formula) might be recommended to slow the progression of the disease. These supplements include antioxidants and zinc, which have been shown to reduce the risk of developing advanced stages of macular degeneration.
- Low Vision Aids: For those with significant vision loss, low vision aids such as magnifying glasses, specialized reading devices, and software can help improve the ability to perform daily tasks.
- Vision Rehabilitation: If vision loss becomes severe, vision rehabilitation services can help you adapt and maintain independence.
Each of these treatments is designed to manage macular degeneration and preserve your vision as much as possible. Your Center for Retina and Macular Disease eye specialist will guide you through the treatment process and monitor your progress closely.
Potential Risks
As with any medical treatment, there are potential risks. These can include infection, increased intraocular pressure, retinal detachment, and, in the case of injections, slight discomfort or bruising at the injection site. Our experienced team at the Center for Retina and Macular Disease takes every precaution to minimize these risks.
Signs You Should Meet with an Eye Specialist in the Center for Retina and Macular Disease
If you experience any of the following, it’s important to seek evaluation and treatment:
- Sudden changes in vision, such as increased blurriness or distorted vision
- Difficulty reading or seeing fine details
- Vision that appears wavy or bent
- A dark or empty spot in the center of your vision
- Loss of peripheral vision or central vision
- Visual hallucinations, which may occur in advanced stages
Macular Degeneration Treatment with Center for Retina and Macular Disease
At the Center for Retina and Macular Disease, our team specializes in the treatment of retinal conditions, including macular degeneration. With advanced techniques like anti-VEGF injections and photodynamic therapy, our goal is to slow the progression of the disease and preserve your vision. Our experienced eye specialists provide personalized care, ensuring that each patient receives the best possible treatment for their specific condition.
If you’re ready to explore your treatment options for macular degeneration, contact Center for Retina and Macular Disease today to schedule your consultation.