Macular Degeneration Treatment

Macular Degeneration is the degeneration of the central part of the retina. Because this area is most responsible for vision, macular degeneration can cause a loss of vision.

There are two types of macular degeneration: a wet type and a dry type. Wet macular degeneration effects vision due to scar tissue behind the eye derriving from abnormal blood vessels in the retina.

Dry macular generation, caused by the aging process, thins the macular layers resulting in a gradual loss of vision. 

Certain nutrients can slow down macular degeneration.Vitamins that may slow the process include zinc, Lutein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. 

Only the wet type of macular degeneration can be treated. While there is no cure for macular degeneration, the following treatments can slow the degeneration and improve vision:

Transpupillary Thermotherapy or Laser Photocoagulation uses a laser to seal the leaking blood vessels to prevent scar tissue behind the eye.This does not fix vision but prevents further loss. 

Photodynamic Therapy uses a laser and the Visudyne drug to slow growth of the abnormal glood vessels behind the retina, thus minimizing the scar tissue behind the eye.Visudyne forms a chemical reaction with a cold laser at the eye, destroying abnormal blood vessels.