The treatment of macular degeneration varies a lot depending on the type and stage of the disease. While there is no cure yet, several treatment options can slow the disease, save vision, and sometimes even improve sight—especially for wet (neovascular) macular degeneration. Knowing the difference between treatments for dry and wet AMD is very important for patients, families, and doctors.
Treatment of Dry Macular Degeneration
Dry AMD is the more common and usually less aggressive form. Although no medicine can reverse its effects, many ways exist to manage the condition and delay vision loss.
- Nutritional Supplements – The AREDS and AREDS2 Formulas
A main treatment for dry macular degeneration is special vitamin supplements. These come from the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS and AREDS2). They include:
- Vitamin C (500 mg)
- Vitamin E (400 IU)
- Zinc oxide (80 mg)
- Copper (2 mg)
- Lutein (10 mg)
- Zeaxanthin (2 mg)
These antioxidants and minerals help lower oxidative stress and may slow the move from moderate to advanced AMD. Remember, these supplements don’t cure the disease and are mainly for people with moderate to severe dry AMD, not early stages or prevention.
- Diet and Lifestyle Changes
What you eat plays a big role in managing dry AMD. Patients should eat:
- Leafy green veggies (high in lutein and zeaxanthin)
- Omega-3 fats from oily fish
- A diet low in saturated fats and sugars
Besides diet, keeping a healthy weight, controlling blood pressure, and quitting smoking are key steps for long-term care.
- Regular Monitoring and Eye Exams
Dry AMD needs close watching for signs it might change into wet AMD. Regular eye exams with dilated pupils and simple home tests like the Amsler grid can catch sudden changes early.
Treatment of Wet Macular Degeneration
Wet AMD grows faster but responds better to treatment when caught early. It happens when abnormal blood vessels grow and leak under the retina, causing quick central vision loss. Early and ongoing care can greatly improve or keep vision stable in many patients.
- Anti-VEGF Injections
The main treatment of wet macular degeneration uses anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) drugs. VEGF is a protein that causes abnormal blood vessel growth. Blocking VEGF stops this growth and lowers leakage.
Common anti-VEGF drugs include:
- Ranibizumab (Lucentis)
- Aflibercept (Eylea)
- Bevacizumab (Avastin) — often used off-label
- Faricimab (Vabysmo) — a newer dual-action drug
Doctors inject these medicines directly into the eye, usually once a month at first, then less often depending on results. These drugs changed AMD treatment and help many patients keep or improve vision.
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
This method uses a light-sensitive drug (verteporfin) injected into a vein. A special laser activates it in the eye to destroy bad blood vessels under the retina without hurting nearby tissue.
PDT is less common now because anti-VEGF drugs work better, but it may help patients who don’t improve with injections.
- Laser Therapy
In rare cases, thermal laser treatment may seal leaking vessels. However, it can damage nearby retina tissue and is rarely used now due to better treatments.
Vision Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies
Even with treatment, some patients lose vision permanently. Low-vision rehab can greatly improve life quality.
Helpful tools include:
- Magnifying glasses and digital magnifiers
- Large-print books and materials
- Voice-controlled devices
- Bright lights and objects with strong contrast
- Orientation and mobility training
- Referrals to vision rehab experts
- Smartphone apps and screen readers
These tools help patients stay independent despite central vision loss.
Clinical Trials and Emerging Treatments
Research continues to find new ways to treat macular degeneration. Some exciting areas are:
- Gene therapy: Adding healthy genes to retinal cells
- Stem cell therapy: Trying to repair damaged retina
- Long-acting drug delivery: Like the Port Delivery System to reduce injection frequency
- Complement inhibitors: Targeting the immune system to slow damage in dry AMD
Patients interested in trials should talk to a retina specialist about options.
Lifestyle Support and Mental Health
Vision loss from AMD can cause strong emotions. Many patients feel frustrated, anxious, or depressed. It is important to get emotional support through counseling, support groups, or occupational therapy. Treating AMD means caring for eyesight and mental strength and independence.
Summary of Treatment of Macular Degeneration
The treatment of macular degeneration depends on its type—dry or wet—and how far it has progressed. Dry AMD care focuses on nutrition, watching closely, and lifestyle changes. Wet AMD needs medical care, mainly anti-VEGF injections. Vision rehab, helpful devices, and new treatments bring hope for long-term care. With early diagnosis and steady care, many people with AMD can keep useful vision and a good life.
