Macular degeneration is a chronic eye disease that is characterized by a worsening of vision and a blurry spot in the eyesight. This disease generally affects older adults, and it comes with a variety of problems and treatments alike. Dry and wet macular degeneration exist, though dry (the type without bleeding) is the more prevalent of the two.
Dry Macular Degeneration Treatments
Dry macular degeneration cannot be reversed. The good news is that the disease usually progresses slowly, but the bad news is that it can turn into wet macular degeneration at any time, which is more severe and faster to spread.
High-dose combinations of antioxidants and zinc can help slow the progression of dry macular degeneration. Patients who suffer from this type of degeneration also can take a combination of vitamins daily to slow the advance of the disease. This enables patients to live normal lifestyles with better vision for a longer period of time.
Wet Macular Degeneration Treatments
Wet macular degeneration tends to develop as a result of the dry form of the disease. Wet macular degeneration occurs when blood vessels develop under the macula and leak fluids.
As with dry macular degeneration, wet macular degeneration cannot be reversed. Treatments for this disorder focus on stopping or slowing its progression. Laser surgery can be performed in a small percentage of cases; in this scenario, doctors use lasers to destroy the damaged cells under the macula.
Another option is photodynamic therapy, which uses a cold laser aimed at the damaged cells in the center of the eye. Doctors also can attempt to rearrange the damaged cells through surgery or implant a telescopic device inside the eye.
Drug treatments are also available for wet macular degeneration and have proven to be among the most effective treatments.
Lifestyle Changes
For people suffering from macular degeneration, accommodations can be made that will improve their quality of life. Since macular degeneration affects eyesight, people who have this disease should use caution when driving and may eventually have to give up driving altogether if vision worsens. They should focus on keeping proper lighting in their homes and can use glasses and magnifiers to help with daily activities. When using the Internet, they can zoom to a larger type on their computer screens, and they can read large-print books instead of traditional print sizes. Macular degeneration doesn't have to mean an end to favorite activities, but it may mean that adjustments need to be made to continue enjoying those activities.
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