Treatment for dry macular degeneration in the UK typically aims to slow or stop progression to wet forms of the condition, using injections of new medication into the eye in order to decrease growth of abnormal blood vessels and seal leakages from these.

Wet macular degeneration occurs as a result of changes to the area beneath the retina known as the choroid layer, where blood vessels produce fluid which leaks out and damages the macula, leading to central vision loss.

Photobiomodulation

Photobiomodulation is a type of light therapy which utilizes near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths to promote healing and prevent damage associated with macular degeneration. NIR light waves increase mitochondrial function, blood flow, tissue oxygenation as well as producing antioxidants and decreasing inflammation – these all work in conjunction to treat dry macular degeneration effectively.

Researchers conducted a recent study to evaluate the efficacy of Photobiomodulation treatment on 42 eyes suffering from dry age-related macular degeneration (AREDS 2-4). Participants were provided a series of sessions using multiwavelength light emitting diodes with yellow (590nm), red (670nm) and near-infrared (790nm) bandwidths to treat their eyes for three weeks. Participants’ best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity and central drusen thickness were measured to assess photobiomodulation’s effects on visual function in patients with dry AMD. Results demonstrated that photobiomodulation significantly improved BCVA and CS in those affected, as well as significantly reducing central drusen size; furthermore, photobiomodulation treatment proved safe and well tolerated throughout this research project.

Macular degeneration is an irreversible condition that gradually worsens over time and affects the center of your vision, with symptoms including blurry central vision or faded and less vibrant colors than before. People living with macular degeneration usually need brighter lighting when reading or walking around; though prevention cannot be guaranteed, eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and antioxidant vitamins could slow its progress and taking regular exercise can also help.

Macular degeneration comes in two primary forms, dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration is the more prevalent form, caused by gradual breakdown in the macula. This form is typically characterized by yellow deposits called drusen appearing on the retina of one’s eye which make fine details difficult to see and may distort straight lines such as door frames into irregular and unrecognizable patterns.

Wet macular degeneration is more serious and may lead to total blindness. It is caused by abnormal blood vessels growing underneath the retina that leak fluid onto and damage the macula, leading to permanent vision impairment and possibly blindness. When treated early enough using anti-VEGF medications injections into each eye can often help stabilise and improve vision by stabilising and improving stability and clarity of vision.

Intravitreal injections

While no cure exists for AMD, there are ways to slow its progress and help avoid vision loss. Eating a diet rich in all nutrients and including certain vitamins in your daily routine may reduce your chance of contracting the condition and consequently slow its rate of vision loss. Furthermore, visit your eye specialist regularly and adhere to their advice.

Dry macular degeneration’s primary symptoms are blurry vision and gradual central vision loss, which can make reading, driving and other activities challenging; furthermore it may also prevent you from recognising faces, colours or fine details clearly. Most often the condition can be managed through medication and lifestyle modifications.

If left untreated, dry ARMD can transition into wet ARMD and lead to rapid vision loss. But wet ARMD can be treated effectively using anti-VEGF injections which will significantly enhance vision quality while decreasing further risk.

Treatment for cataracts involves injecting medicine directly into the eye with a tiny needle. The procedure takes place in-office and is relatively painless; your doctor uses an assistive device to hold open your eye before injecting medication in its entirety into its back chamber. You may notice some temporary floaters following treatment; this is just part of the normal process.

After intravitreal injections, there is a very slight risk of infection caused by bacteria introduced at the time of injection. It occurs rarely – approximately once out of 1000 injections – but should you experience increased pain or tenderness, vision problems, redness or swelling on the white of your eye, contact Derwent Eye Specialists immediately so your infection can be treated and prevent permanent blindness.

Photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is an innovative treatment for dry macular degeneration that utilizes two chemicals to both improve skin tone and decrease vision loss risks. This process works by applying a photosensitizing liquid to the affected area of skin and then exposing it to blue light for 17 minutes, activating its use to form a clot that then eliminates dead cells. PDT takes place at a dermatologist’s office and requires wearing protective eye goggles during treatment. Side effects, including swelling, redness and pain may arise, although they typically resolve quickly. Furthermore, patients may experience a tingling sensation during PDT sessions.

There are two primary forms of macular degeneration – Dry AMD and Wet AMD. Dry AMD occurs due to deposits called drusen under the macula, which eventually lead to central vision loss over time. While less serious than wet AMD, dry AMD still can have significant consequences on quality of life when magnifying glasses or brighter lights are required for reading or other tasks.

Wet macular degeneration progresses more rapidly than its Dry AMD counterpart and is marked by abnormal blood vessels leaking fluid into the macula, also referred to as neovascular AMD or choroidal neovascularisation.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle and have regular assessments with an optometrist can reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration in the UK, but blindness from it is often preventable. People with a family history of age-related macular degeneration are at increased risk, so if any changes to your vision occur or distortion appears immediately seek medical advice.

There are a variety of drugs available for treating wet AMD, including Lucentis which has been shown to significantly improve visual outcomes in many patients. Unfortunately, however, these medicines are ineffective against advanced cases of wet AMD.

Radiotherapy

The macula is the part of our eyes responsible for central vision. This allows us to distinguish fine details such as words and faces for daily activities such as reading and driving. Macula disorders may lead to partial sight loss but never complete blindness; thus early treatment should be sought, since waiting could worsen your visual loss over time.

Macular degeneration occurs in two forms – dry and wet. Dry AMD typically occurs when deposits known as drusen build up beneath the macula, leading to gradual blurring of central vision. Wet AMD develops when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath your retina and leak fluid that damages central vision more quickly than dry AMD.

Estimates suggest that up to 10% of those with macular degeneration suffer from wet AMD, though its causes remain unknown. If left untreated, this form can quickly lead to rapid loss of vision. Luckily, anti-VEGF medications may help slow the progression of wet AMD.

Researchers in the UK have replicated some features of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in a mouse model, according to a study published in Scientific Reports. Mice showed signs of geographic atrophy characteristic of dry AMD. This indicates that mice-based models may provide insight into developing future therapies for the disease.

Lucentis, approved by NICE for use against wet AMD, may help prevent vision loss by decreasing abnormal blood vessel proliferation in affected eyes. Treatment usually includes eye injections containing this medication which contains both humanised monoclonal antibody and an anti-angiogenic agent.