Treating Macular Degeneration
Untreated macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness in those over 65 years old. While researchers have not yet discovered a cure for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), there are treatment options which prevent the disease from progressing to blindness, and in some cases, they can even improve vision. It’s important to have an open discussion with your eye doctor about the risks and limitations of AMD treatments.
Types of Macular Degeneration:
There are 2 basic types of AMD, the wet form and the dry form.
Dry macular degeneration
is considered the less aggressive form of AMD. It typically progresses much more slowly, and the level of eyesight damage is less severe. Dry AMD is detected during routine eye exams, which is why it’s important to have yearly testing. Treating Dry AMD often involves AREDS 2 antioxidants, which have been shown to slow disease progression.
Wet macular degeneration
is the more severe form of AMD. It occurs when abnormal blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) leads to bleeding inside the retinal layers. When this process starts, blindness can occur if treatment isn’t initiated. Treatments include an AMD medication injected directly into the eye to inhibit angiogenesis.
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Learn How to Combat AMD
Statistics
Currently, macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in persons over age 60. Caucasians are far more likely to lose vision from AMD than African Americans, and studies show that obesity, smoking, and exposure to UV rays may also be risk factors for developing the disease. Having a family history of macular degeneration increases your risk for developing the condition. Nearly 90% of all diagnosed AMD is the dry form.
Symptoms
Early in the disease process there may be no symptoms. Diagnosis occurs when a doctor detects signs such as the presence of drusen during a comprehensive eye examination. Early symptoms include blurry, cloudy or distorted central vision or dark spots in your central field of view. With advanced stages, vision loss can be severe with larger blind spots or the total loss of central vision.
Treatment
There are no FDA-approved treatments for dry macular degeneration, although, AREDS 2 antioxidants may be valuable in preventing its progression to the more advanced, wet form. For wet macular degeneration, there are several FDA-approved drugs aimed at stopping abnormal blood vessel growth and vision loss from the disease. In some cases, laser treatment of the retina may be recommended. Ask your eye doctor for details about the latest treatment options for wet macular degeneration.