Wet macular degeneration generally affects adults over the age of 50 years old. The macula is the part of the eye responsible for central vision, and as one ages, the macula may deteriorate leading to blurry vision and a central blind spot. Wet macular degeneration occurs when fluid collects under the macula as abnormal blood vessels grow and then leak.
Symptoms
Symptoms may appear abruptly, and the progression is usually rapid. Symptoms may include vision distortions (straight lines appearing wavy), decreased central vision and intensity of colors, a noticeable blind spot and seeing nonexistent things as a result as of miscommunication between the brain and the macula.
Treatments
There are several courses of treatment available for wet macular degeneration, but the goals are to slow progression of the disease. The treatments are not cures and in most instances cannot reverse the damages that have already occurred. Laser therapy is a possible treatment, where a high-powered laser is used to destroy the abnormal, leaky blood cells. This course of action is rarely implemented, as it has serious limitations. If the blood vessels are directly under the center of the macula and if the damage is extensive, this laser treatment cannot be utilized. Another treatment is photodynamic therapy, which is used for treating wet macular degeneration when the abnormal cells are in the center of the macula or the fovea. It is safer than laser therapy and may be able to preserve central vision. This treatment combines a cold laser with a medicine called verteporfin. The medicine is injected into the bloodstream and ends up in the macula. The cold laser causes a reaction when combined with medicine that closes the abnormal blood vessels stopping the leak. Macular translocation surgery is also a treatment that may be used when the abnormal cells are below the fovea. A surgeon surgically detaches the retina and moves the fovea in order to expose the abnormal cells. The surgeon then removes the cells or uses a hot laser to destroy them without risking the fovea. This treatment prevents further vision loss and in rare instances improves vision. A medicinal treatment incorporates vascular endothelial growth factor antagonists. These are drugs that may stop the growth of the abnormal cells that cause wet macular degeneration by inhibiting the growth factor that allows these cells to proliferate. The treatment involves injections in the eye every 4 weeks. Finally, another treatment that is used for those with advanced wet macular degeneration is implantation of an optical device. It may improve vision by literally enlarging objects like a tiny telescope.
Alternate Medicine
The use of alternative medicine has been implemented but there is little evidence to support that supplements such as bilberry, Ginkgo, and shark cartilage as effective. However, these supplements may interact with other medications, and a physician should be consulted prior to use.
Tags: macular degeneration, abnormal cells, blood vessels, central vision, abnormal blood
