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December 04, 2024
Macular degeneration is an eye disease that can cause central vision loss as your retina breaks down. At OOMC, we understand the profound impact of vision loss on quality of life. Macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss among people over the age of 50 and affects millions worldwide.
Understanding the symptoms and available treatment options is crucial because early detection and intervention can significantly slow its progression and preserve your vision. Learn more about symptoms and treatment options for macular degeneration below.
There are two types of macular degeneration:
Dry macular degeneration is caused by the thinning of the retina as you age, as well as clumps of a protein called drusen growing in your eye.
Wet macular degeneration is caused by the abnormal growth of blood vessels under the retina. These blood vessels sometimes leak, further affecting vision.
Macular degeneration occurs most often when you age, making those 60 and older most at risk for this eye condition. Family history, a history of smoking, and high blood pressure can also make it more likely you will develop macular degeneration at some point in your life.
Both types of macular degeneration have similar symptoms, including:
An eye exam can help identify the cause of any of these symptoms.
Macular degeneration doesn’t have a cure at this time, but there are treatment options available that can help reduce symptoms and preserve your vision.
A combination of specific vitamins and minerals can help slow the progress of dry macular degeneration. Your provider may recommend you take nutritional supplements with the following:
Your provider may have specific brand recommendations and dosages based on your symptoms and the progression of your macular degeneration.
Injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) can block the protein that produces new blood vessels, leading to further wet macular degeneration. This medication may improve your vision.
A retina specialist will numb your eye before the injections. The injection is delivered into the fluid of your eyes so it can prevent the production of new blood vessels right where they would form.
Your provider may recommend photodynamic therapy combined with wet macular degeneration medication. Photodynamic therapy can destroy extra blood vessels in your eye that are at risk of progressing to macular degeneration.
Laser photocoagulation is a procedure during which your eye specialist will seal and destroy leaking blood vessels in your eye. The removal of leaking blood vessels can help prevent further vision loss.
If you’re experiencing the symptoms of macular degeneration or have received a diagnosis and want to explore treatment options, schedule an appointment at your local OOMC location. Our eye experts can diagnose and treat your macular degeneration to help preserve your vision and treat symptoms. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
