Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in patients 50 years of age and older. The eye disease affects the macula, a specialized part of the central retina, which gives us our sharpest, most acute central vision. Most macular degeneration treatments aim to slow down vision loss rather than restore lost vision.
Treatment of macular degeneration is largely focused on four different therapies. Most of these treatments are geared toward treating the wet form of macular degeneration as opposed to the dry form of the disease.
1. Angiogenesis Inhibitors
Angiogenesis inhibitors treat macular degeneration by limiting and reducing new blood vessel growth in the macula. If allowed to grow, these new fragile blood vessels can leak blood and fluid under the macula and cause tissue destruction and scarring.
Most angiogenesis inhibitors are injected directly into the vitreal cavity of the eye, which is behind the lens. The most common side effect is a conjunctival hemorrhage around the injection site. Some patients may have blurry vision, floaters, eye pain, increased intraocular pressure or inflammation of the eye. Although extremely rare, you may develop a serious internal eye infection called endophthalmitis, a retinal detachment or a traumatic cataract.
2. Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses the light-sensitive drug Visudyne to treat macular degeneration. Visudyne is injected directly into the blood stream of your arm. Within seconds, the drug is absorbed by abnormal blood vessels under the macula. A cool laser is shone into the eye to activate the Visudyne, allowing the drug to destroy the abnormal blood vessels.
Photodynamic therapy takes about 20 minutes and is painless. Some people develop a headache or blurry vision after undergoing PDT. Your doctor may recommend that you avoid sun exposure for five days after treatment since the drug is activated by light. The treatment must be given every three months for two or three years to prevent regrowth of abnormal blood vessels.
3. Laser Photocoagulation
Laser photocoagulation is the original treatment developed for wet macular degeneration. Today, however, laser photocoagulation is used sparingly and with great caution. A high-energy laser is applied to leaky blood vessels in and around the macula. The heat from the laser seals and obliterates the abnormal vessels.
While laser photocoagulation can be very successful, it can also be very destructive. Some people may be left with blind spots or reduced vision after treatment. You may experience mild pain during or after the procedure. While laser photocoagulation may prevent the disease from worsening, it may ultimately leave vision slightly worse than before the procedure.
4. Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
Studies show that taking a daily dose of a specific set of vitamins and mineral supplements can significantly reduce the risk of dry macular degeneration becoming a more severe form of the disease. Always consult with your doctor before supplementing with vitamins and minerals, as some people may develop reactions or side effects. Research is being conducted on the effects of other supplements, such as lutein, zeaxanthin and omega fatty acids, and their effect on macular degeneration.
Source List:
Alexander, Larry J. Primary Care of the Posterior Segment, Second Edition. Appleton & Lange, 1994.
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health. "Facts About Age-Related Macular Degeneration." May, 2010.
