Macular Degeneration: Accepted and Emerging Treatments for Vision Preservation
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, affecting the central part of the retina, known as the macula. There are two forms: dry AMD, involving retinal cell breakdown, and wet AMD, which involves cell breakdown plus abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the retina. While there is no cure, several treatments can help manage AMD and slow its progression.
For people with AMD, simple tasks like reading a book, watching TV, or recognizing faces can become increasingly difficult. The central vision may become blurry or distorted, and in some cases a dark or empty area might develop in the center of the vision. While this is incredibly disruptive, the peripheral vision does remain intact in AMD, allowing individuals to see objects around them.
Accepted Treatments
Vitamin supplements have been shown to reduce the risk of progression to advanced stages. The AREDS studies found that a combination of vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids help slow AMD progression and support eye health.
For wet AMD, anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections are the standard treatment. These medications block the protein that encourages abnormal blood vessel growth. This helps reduce fluid leakage and stabilize vision, though ongoing injections are often needed.
Emerging Treatments
In addition to these established therapies, red light therapy is emerging as a promising treatment for AMD. This therapy uses specific wavelengths of red light to stimulate retinal cells and may help regenerate retinal tissue.
Another promising option is microcurrent therapy, such as the Macumira device, which applies low-level electrical currents to stimulate retinal cells and improve blood circulation. Although still under study, early results suggest it could help manage dry AMD.
Early Diagnosis
If you are over the age of 50 or have a family history of AMD, it is essential to have regular eye exams which include high-quality retinal imaging. Early detection is key to managing AMD effectively, and your optometrist can diagnose and monitor this condition.