AMD comes in two forms – dry and wet. Dry AMD typically develops slowly with age as your macula thins out over time and protein clumps called drusen form on it, while wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels form beneath your retina and leak fluid; wet AMD typically leads to faster vision loss than its dry counterpart.

Injections

Over 85% of those with AMD are affected by its dry form. At this stage, drusen form on the macula and become increasingly prevalent as eye thickness decreases. Unfortunately, no cure exists for this form of AMD; however, certain nutritional supplements have been shown to slow its progress and vision loss.

At least 5% of those diagnosed with AMD suffer from wet or neovascular AMD. This occurs when abnormal blood vessels form under the retina and leak fluid or blood into the eye causing vision loss. Wet AMD typically progresses more quickly than dry AMD and is more likely to result in severe vision loss.

Treatment of wet AMD typically involves administering medications that block a protein that promotes blood vessel growth in the eye. One effective form is known as anti-VEGF therapy or VEGF block injection, which works by binding directly with chemical that promotes abnormal vessel growth and causes bleeding within eyes.

One treatment option for wet macular degeneration is laser surgery. This involves scanning both retina and back of eye using a machine known as optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), similar to fluorescein angiography but without dye. OCTA creates detailed images of retinal blood vessels visible via microscope.

Laser surgery can destroy new blood vessels that leak, stopping them from further harming the macula. Unfortunately, however, this procedure can damage other parts of the eye so is only used on a small percentage of people suffering from wet AMD.

No cure exists for AMD; however, consuming more omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and E as well as stopping smoking will slow its progress. Also important are regular eye exams by your eye care professional who can detect early signs of AMD as well as suggest the best treatment plan. You might want to participate in clinical trials studying new treatments for this condition – contact your ophthalmologist about available studies so you can join in the study!

Laser Surgery

People living with AMD experience light-sensing cells in their retina that control central and fine detail vision to gradually break down or thin out over time, leading to vision loss over time. While these cells cannot be replaced, certain treatments called laser/photocoagulation therapies may help slow this loss while possibly even improving it; such procedures include laser and photocoagulation therapies.

These laser treatments use lasers to either destroy abnormal blood vessels or slow the leakage of fluids from them, and may be provided in your eye doctor’s office or outpatient surgery center. Some therapies used for wet AMD, which is more serious, is when new blood vessels form beneath the retina and leak blood or fluid, with straight lines becoming crooked or wavy or colors appearing less vivid. These therapies may also be effective against dry AMD.

Most individuals suffering from age-related macular degeneration experience its dry form. This occurs when the macula, the area at the back of your retina responsible for central and color vision as well as fine detail vision, becomes thinner with age. Early symptoms usually do not arise until intermediate stage; thus why annual eye exams are important.

About 10% of those diagnosed with AMD develop its more serious version, known as wet AMD. With wet AMD, the macula becomes scarred from abnormal blood vessels growing under the retina that start leaking blood or fluids into its center causing rapid central vision loss compared to dry AMD.

Some forms of wet AMD can be treated with medications, including anti-VEGFs that will decrease fluid leakage from new blood vessels and prevent vision deterioration. Your eye doctor may also suggest laser surgery wherein he/she shines a laser beam onto them to destroy them.

Avoid smoking, consume a diet rich in leafy green vegetables and other healthful foods, engage in regular physical activity, and schedule medical eye exams every year to decrease your risk of AMD. If any changes arise in your vision it is imperative that you notify your doctor immediately so they can check for early symptoms of AMD as well as possible treatment solutions.

Diet

One effective strategy to slow the progression of dry age-related macular degeneration is through diet. A diet rich in eye-healthy foods – such as deep sea fish rich in omega 3, green leafy vegetables like spinach and curly kale as well as fruits and other colorful veggies are highly recommended, along with nutritional supplements like Vitamin C, zeaxanthin lutein zinc as well as other supplements – may help slow its progress significantly. It is also vital not to smoke as studies show cigarette smoke causes blood vessels in eyes to shrink faster which speeds the onset of AMD significantly faster. Studies indicate this fact – smoking causes blood vessels in eyes to shrink faster thus speeding its development further speeding its onset further speeding its onset further hastening its development further speeding its onset faster.

The National Eye Institute’s AREDS Study and its follow up, AREDS2, have revealed that certain nutritional supplements may help slow the progression of AMD. Before taking any nutritional supplements, however, it should first be discussed with an ophthalmologist as any potential risks could exist with regard to health concerns associated with them. In terms of wet macular degeneration treatments available today there are medications which work by inhibiting new blood vessel formation to protect retina from scarring caused by wet AMD.

Eye Exercises

Eye exercises are necessary in order to maintain strong and healthy eyesight, with many being amazed at the dramatic improvement they experience after just two or three weeks of eye exercises – either at home or work – wherein they target one muscle called Rectus Lateralis which prevents the eyes from converging properly; exercises help relax this muscle down while equalizing eye muscle tension across all eyes.

One simple eye exercise involves sitting or standing comfortably and focusing on an object 10-20 feet away while taking deep breaths every few seconds. Repeat this several times throughout the day. Another strategy for strengthening eye muscles and expanding vision range involves looking over both shoulders in turn, repeating for several minutes at a time until back at center. Finally, stretching out arm with thumb in hitchhiking position, then watching its movement close to you then away again can strengthen eye muscles as well as expand range of vision.

Exercise for eyes can also help to reduce wrinkles, saggy hooded eyes and puffy eyes, while improving blood circulation can prevent them from dilation during illness or an allergic reaction. Blinking is another integral part of eye exercises – it keeps eyes fresh while clearing away old information so they can focus on new tasks more readily – however some people don’t blink enough, especially after spending much time at a computer or watching television.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is the leading cause of blindness among older adults, often manifested by macular tissue thinning over time and leading to blurry central vision and impacting reading, driving or other activities that require clear central vision. It may eventually cause blindness.

Although AMD cannot be treated, its progression can be delayed by cutting back on smoking and eating foods high in antioxidants like vitamins C and E; these may help protect against macular degeneration. If AMD runs in your family, be sure to visit your physician on an ongoing basis for proper diagnosis and care.