Macular degeneration is an insidious condition that threatens central vision. This damage occurs through the loss of light-sensing cells in your retina and can result in blurry, hazy or blind spots in your vision.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is more prevalent among older people and typically develops slowly over time, impacting both eyes at different rates.

Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (DAMD)

Macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition in which your central vision becomes blurry due to damage to the macula – a small spot on your retina at the back of the eye that allows you to clearly perceive fine details when driving, reading or recognising faces. AMD limits these activities while not impacting peripheral (side) vision and is the leading cause of severe vision loss among people over 50 years of age.

Macular degeneration occurs when the macular pigment epithelium, a layer of retina, thins. This causes light reflections to change and straight lines appear wavy or crooked; distinguishing faces becomes harder; clock numbers and hands cannot be seen clearly as well as fine details like clock hands on clock. Two types of advanced macular degeneration exist: dry and wet macular degeneration are commonly encountered, although dry macular degeneration tends not to lead to blindness as quickly as its counterpart.

One in 10 individuals diagnosed with AMD will progress to wet macular degeneration. This occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak blood and fluid into the macula, potentially leading to rapid vision loss if left untreated.

There are a few treatments for wet macular degeneration that may halt or delay its progression, according to research. A diet rich in antioxidant vitamins and minerals containing lutein and zeaxanthin may also help – these substances are found naturally in foods like dark leafy vegetables, kale, collard greens and raw spinach; plus nutritional supplements contain them too.

Doctors may treat wet macular degeneration by injecting an eye drop that stops new blood vessel growth and stops bleeding beneath the retina, known as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors such as ranibizumab, bevacizumab or aflibercept. Laser surgery may also help; it involves directing high-energy light beams at abnormal blood vessels that form under your retina in order to destroy them while protecting surrounding healthy tissue and possibly some vision as a side effect.

Non-Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (WDAMD)

Age-Related Macular Degeneration is characterized by abnormal blood vessels growing under the retina, leaking blood and fluid onto macula, leading to distortion or blurring in central vision. While only 10-15% of those diagnosed with ARMD experience this form, early identification and treatment increase chances for maintaining central vision preservation.

No cure exists for wet macular degeneration; however, treatments can help slow its progress and potentially even reverse vision loss. These include dietary supplements, laser therapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Studies have also indicated that eating dark leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli may reduce your risk. Furthermore, studies suggest consuming enough vitamins C & E along with lutein & zeaxanthin may also lower it; consult your ophthalmologist for an intake chart so they can assist you with tracking how much of each of these nutrients you are getting.

As wet form macular degeneration can progress quickly, early treatment should begin as soon as possible to ensure it doesn’t worsen quickly. Leakage of blood and fluid from underneath the retina can cause more damage over time to macula; if left undiagnosed and untreated it could result in irreparable vision loss within just months or weeks.

Treatments for wet ARMD aim to stop abnormal blood vessels from growing and damaging the macula, using injections of an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drug into the eye (such as bevacizumab, ranibizumab, pegaptanib or aflibercept). Your doctor can also use photodynamic therapy – which uses light beams directed towards abnormal blood vessels to seal them off using thermal effects – as an additional form of treatment.

At present, wet macular degeneration accounts for around 15-25% of ARMD cases and is the primary cause of irreversible vision loss among people over 60. Recent studies indicate that early detection through comprehensive dilated eye exams can help avoid severe vision loss while slowing macular degeneration progression significantly; so yearly or sooner visits with your ophthalmologist is highly advised if at risk.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Macular degeneration is an age-related retinal disease that attacks the macula, the region responsible for central vision. Macular degeneration slowly destroys this vision; however, most people continue to lead productive lives even while losing central vision.

Macular degeneration, more commonly known as dry AMD, is the most widespread form. This condition entails gradual macular atrophy with yellow deposits known as drusen developing on its surface. Though less serious and progressing more slowly than wet macular degeneration, dry AMD still results in loss of central vision over time.

Wet macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels form in the retina and leak fluid and cells into the macula, causing swelling and scarring, impairing vision and leading to blind spots in vision loss. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), however, may significantly slow vision loss from wet AMD.

PDT uses verteporfin, an injectable medication, to address new blood vessel growth. A light is then shone directly onto your eye for 90 seconds to activate and destroy these new vessels, helping your vision decline more slowly over time.

The global photodynamic therapy market is projected to experience steady expansion over the forecast period, driven by increasing demand for less invasive therapies and an increasing awareness of photodynamic therapy’s advantages as an alternative to surgery. Furthermore, photosensitive drugs intended to treat cancer treatments as well as research & development spending on oncology all contribute to its expansion.

Photodynamic therapy may cause localized redness, skin sensitivity and bruising; however, most of these side effects typically vanish within weeks. Therefore, it is essential to discuss both its risks and benefits with your healthcare provider prior to beginning this treatment plan.

Laser Surgery

Laser surgery allows your eye care provider to treat the abnormal blood vessels responsible for wet macular degeneration. These abnormal vessels grow beneath the retina and leak blood and fluids into scarred macula areas of the retina, distorting central vision. Anti-VEGF drugs can help slow down this growth while simultaneously stopping them from leaking fluids – this may require taking orally (by mouth) or through an eye care provider-administered injection directly into your eye.

Some individuals suffering from wet AMD may also benefit from receiving medication which is injected directly into the eye to slow the formation of new blood vessels and stop any leakage that threatens vision loss. Your eye care provider can recommend whether these medications or laser surgery is the appropriate approach for you.

Your vision can be protected through eating a well-rounded diet rich in essential nutrients like vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein and zeaxanthin. Exercise regularly and get sufficient rest. Your Rowan Eye Center doctor can advise which lifestyle measures would best benefit you.

If you are in the early stages of dry age-related macular degeneration, chances are it won’t require treatment; since its progression usually moves slowly and your peripheral vision should remain relatively undamaged. However, wet age-related macular degeneration (WAMD), however, requires action as it can lead to central vision loss due to blood vessels that supply your macula with blood starting to leak blood into fluid that damages macular tissue, making it less sensitive to light sensitivity – this form can only be detected during an eye examination by medical eye care providers trained in diagnosing this form of WAMD.