Macular Degeneration Treatment
Presently, there is no cure for macular degeneration however, multiple treatment options can improve vision in some cases and stabilize vision in most cases. These treatments are decided upon based around the progression of the macular degeneration.
As mentioned elsewhere, certain risk factors (smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and inactivity) can be minimized by the patient. Nutritional supplements may also be advised.
Because vision loss due to macular degeneration can be permanent, low vision devices such as magnifying lenses and bright lights provide some improvement. In addition, special low vision devices are available, and with training an AMD patient can learn to adjust.
Below are some of the macular degeneration treatments
Anti–angiogenic therapy
An injectable which targets the growing blood vessels in patients which have wet macular degeneration. The goal of this therapy is to stop or slow the blood vessels from growing, bleeding or leaking.
Photocoagulation (laser surgery)
Photocoagulation uses a laser beam to create burns in areas of the retina that have abnormal blood vessels.
Photodynamic therapy
Verteporfin (Visudyne®) is injected into the bloodstream. It concentrates in the abnormal blood vessels under the macula and closes these leaking vessels.
