Macular Degeneration: What Is It and How to Treat It

Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss, affecting more than 10 million Americans – more than cataracts and glaucoma combined. Macular degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina, known as the macula, the inside back layer of the eye that records the images we see and sends them via the optic nerve from the eye to the brain. There are two types of macular degeneration:

Dry Macular Degeneration

Dry macular degeneration is a chronic eye disease in which the macula, a portion of the retina, deteriorates. When light enters the eye, it hits the retina, which lies on the back of the eyeball. Neural signaling from cells in the retina allows us to see clearly. If the macula degenerates, it cannot transmit visual signals to the brain, leading to blurred vision or a blind spot in the central portion of the visual field. Dry AMD is the most common form of macular degeneration, affecting 80-90% of AMD patients. 

Wet Macular Degeneration

A less common but more serious form of the disease, wet macular degeneration occurs when blood vessels behind the retina leak fluid, causing changes in central vision. These vessels may leak blood or other fluids, causing scarring of the macula. You lose vision faster with wet AMD than with dry AMD. Many people don’t realize they have AMD until their vision is very blurry. This is why it is important to have regular visits to an ophthalmologist. He or she can look for early signs of AMD before you have any vision problems.

Macular degeneration is considered an incurable eye disease, but some treatments may delay its progression or even help improve vision. Treatments for macular degeneration depend on whether the disease is in its early-stage dry form or in the more advanced wet form:

Treatment for Dry Macular Degeneration

For dry AMD, there are no FDA-approved treatments, but nutritional supplements containing antioxidant vitamins can reduce the risk of dry AMD progressing to sight-threatening wet AMD. 

Treatment for Wet Macular Degeneration

For wet AMD, the goal of most treatments is to shrink or stop abnormal blood vessel growth and prevent the leakage of fluid into the retina. The first line of treatment is the injection of a medication directly into the affected eye. Additional medical and laser procedures are also available to treat wet AMD. For AMD patients who have suffered any degree of vision loss, low vision devices such as magnifiers, telescopes, and apps on digital devices can help to maximize vision potential. 

At Oxford Family Vision Clinic, our entire optometry team is committed to providing advanced vision care in a professional and comfortable environment. Our primary eye care service includes a complete eye exam that analyzes eye health and vision function. In addition to eye exams and vision testing, Dr. Turner and our team of optometry professionals provide testing for glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. Contact us today to set up an appointment!