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Currently, there is no proven, effective treatment for dry form age-related macular degeneration; however, studies have found that high levels of zinc and antioxidants play a key role in slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration in both new and advanced cases.

There are several treatments for wet age-related macular degeneration: drug therapy, laser surgery and photodynamic therapy. Low-vision rehabilitation usually is needed for advanced cases.

Drug Therapy

Drugs injected into the arm or eye are used to inhibit the growth of new blood vessels. Your physician will go over potential side effects.

Laser Photocoagulation

Laser photocoagulation is a surgical procedure involving the application of a hot laser to seal and halt or slow the progression of abnormal blood vessels. Through the use of a high-energy light that turns to heat when it hits the retina, laser photocoagulation seals the choroidal neovascularization and inhibits leaky blood vessel growth, preventing further vision deterioration. A scar forms as a result of the treatment, creating a permanent blind spot in the field of vision.

Vision usually does not improve after laser treatment and may be somewhat worse. However, loss of vision following laser treatment, though immediate, is generally less severe than the eventual loss of vision that usually occurs without laser treatment. In many cases, some visual distortion will disappear after laser treatment.

Early diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration is important because once vision is lost due to of the growth of abnormal blood vessels, it cannot be recovered.

Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy is one of the most promising new treatments for wet form macular degeneration. It involves the injection of a drug into the bloodstream followed by a brief laser treatment. The laser activates the drug, helping to destroy abnormal blood vessels in the eye that damage the macula. Several treatments may be necessary for the treatment to be effective. The procedure is painless, with few side effects.

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