AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION TREATMENT
An ophthalmologist can verify the presence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) by conducting a fundus fluorescein angiography – the procedure is able to determine the degree and severity of the disease.
1 / DRY AMD
In the case of dry AMD (non-exudative), certain lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, may help slow the onset of the disease. Low vision aids may also help in visual rehabilitation.
2 / Wet AMD
In the case of wet AMD (exudative), an improved treatment for it includes injecting specific medication into the eye to prevent aberrant blood vessel growth and leakage. These medications, for example, Lucentis (ranibizumab) and Avastin (bevacizumab) function by blocking VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) proteins, which induce the creation of new blood vessels in the body. Clinical trials have shown that these treatments outperformed traditional laser treatments in terms of visual outcomes.
LASER THERAPY
These treatments may be used with laser therapy to seal off the abnormal vessels. Depending on the type and location of the abnormal arteries and membranes, an argon laser or photodynamic therapy with Visudyne treatment may be employed. These treatments may help to reduce the disease’s progression and prevent additional vision loss.
