There is currently no cure for macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is a chronic, progressive disease. Patients with early age-related macular degeneration that are treated early may not progress to advanced vision loss. Treatment for macular degeneration is focused on slowing progression of the disease.

There are two types of macular degeneration:

Dry macular degeneration, is the most common type of macular degeneration. Dry macular degeneration gradually causes vision loss.

Wet macular degeneration is the less common and more serious type of macular degeneration. Wet macular degeneration causes scarring that rapidly leads to vision loss.

Types of Treatments

Treatment for dry or wet age-related macular degeneration includes:

Vitamin regimens, such as

• Beta-carotene, or Vitamin A
• Copper
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Lutein
• Zeaxanthin for smokers
• Zinc oxide

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, which are drugs given by injection into the eye that stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels. Anti-vascular endothelial grown factory therapy may help to restore lost vision.

Laser and photodynamic therapy, which use a light-activated drug, verteporfin, to seal the leaky blood vessels.

Intravitreal injections of drugs, such as bevacizumab, aflibercept, or ranibizumab, which may be given with or without laser therapy. Intravitreal means the drug is injected directly into the eye.

Assistive devices that may be needed for patients with macular degeneration include:

• Enhanced lighting
• Handheld magnifiers
• High-contrast watches
• Large print books and newspapers
• Large type on computers and/or talking computers
• Magnifying spectacles
• Stand magnifiers

Surgery may be possible for selected patients with macular degeneration, in which an implantable miniature telescope may be implanted into the eye to help improve vision and quality of life.

Occupational therapy to assist with work accommodations, retraining, and job modifications for patients with macular degeneration.

Vision rehabilitation to assist with vision training, activities of daily living, and to provide modifications to the living environment for patients with macular degeneration.

Alternative and complementary therapies, such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids, may help to reduce the progression of macular degeneration.

New, Experimental Treatments

Researchers are currently working on new gene therapies for the treatment of macular degeneration.

Long-Term Follow Up

Ongoing, long-term follow-up is an essential part of treatment for patients with macular degeneration to monitor disease progression and treatment effectiveness.

Sources

This content was written by the MediFind Medical Team. Last updated: 6/9/2022