Dry AMD
This condition normally progresses slowly, and many people who have it can live relatively normal lives, especially if vision is affected only minimally.
Progression of dry macular degeneration can be slowed by taking high doses of the vitamins A, C and E, and the minerals zinc and copper. Patients should discuss these vitamin and mineral supplement treatment options with their doctor. Research is under way to identify other vitamin and mineral combinations that may be viable treatments for dry macular degeneration.
Wet AMD
The wet form is the more devastating, more rapidly progressing form of macular degeneration. With this condition, new abnormal blood vessels behind the retina form rapidly. These vessels begin to leak blood and fluid, causing damage to the macula. Treatment is based on the location and extent of the abnormal blood vessels. A consulting retinal specialist provides these treatments at The Eye Clinic.
Anti-angiogenic therapy (injectable drug treatment)
These injection treatments directly target the growing blood vessels. After the ophthalmologist numbs the eye with an anesthetic, the medication is injected into the affected eye, where it stops or slows the blood vessels from growing, leaking and bleeding. The treatment is given every four to six weeks to prevent the blood vessels from causing more vision loss. This therapy causes less damage to the retina than laser treatments. The most common side effect after receiving an injection is redness and scratchiness in the eyeball.
Photocoagulation (laser surgery)
Photocoagulation uses a high-energy laser beam to create small burns in areas of the retina that have abnormal blood vessels. This treatment is used when the abnormal blood vessels are not yet under the area of central vision (fovea). Only a small number of patients are candidates for the procedure. The laser may destroy some surrounding healthy eye tissue and some vision. New blood vessels also may develop after this treatment.
Photodynamic therapy
In this treatment, a medication is injected into the bloodstream. It travels to the eye and concentrates in the abnormal blood vessels under the macula. A cold laser light is then applied to the macula, which activates the drug and leads to the closing off of abnormal vessels without damaging the macula. Photodynamic therapy is commonly performed as a combination therapy with other treatments.
