Treatment Macular degeneration
Dry macular degeneration
Macular degeneration is generally present as a normal aging process of the human eye. As we get older, the quality of the retina’s sharpness of vision decreases. This is often a more or less natural process and can hardly be treated. However, lifestyle patterns can have an adverse effect and therefore a negative influence on the retina. Macular degeneration therefore increases rapidly. The ophthalmologist can give you advice regarding your lifestyle patterns and possibly prescribe medication to prevent further increase in wear as much as possible. It should also be checked regularly whether the dry degeneration may turn into the wet form of degeneration that progresses aggressively and must be treated with the injection of medication. Sometimes laser treatment is also used for this.
Wet macular degeneration
The treatment of macular degeneration is usually only possible in the early stages of the ‘wet’ form of AMD (age-related macular degeneration). Although visual acuity improves in a minority of patients, vision can be stabilized in most cases. Various treatment methods are possible. We mention them here.
Vascular growth inhibitors
For a number of years, if the wet form is present, vascular growth inhibitory drugs (anti-VEGF) have been administered by means of an intravitreal injection. These means stop the new vessel from leaking and growing, which prevents further deterioration and, although in a minority of cases, an improvement in visual acuity can occur. It has been shown that the injection must be administered at least 2-3 times approximately monthly, after which the effect of the treatment is assessed. It often turns out that several more of these injections are necessary to permanently stabilize the retina. In this way, treatment may be necessary for years.
PDT
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be successful in a limited group of patients with wet MD. With this form of light therapy, only the leaking blood vessels are treated. The deterioration of visual acuity is slowed down by this treatment. Suitability for this treatment is determined on the basis of a fluorescent angiogram. Sometimes a combination of PDT and vascular growth-inhibiting drugs can be chosen.
Radiotherapy
Treatment of wet MD with radiotherapy has been extensively researched. In the short term, only a limited group of AMD patients appeared to respond moderately favorably to radiotherapy. This treatment is therefore rarely carried out anymore.
Operative treatment
Surgical treatment of wet AMD appears to have a favorable outcome in very selected cases, but is hardly used anymore due to the frequent occurrence of complications.
What can you do to prevent AMD
- Wear protective sunglasses when you come into contact with ultraviolet light sources (sun, tanning bed).
- Consume food with lots of fruit and dark leafy vegetables (spinach, green cabbage, kale)
- No smoking
- Limit alcohol consumption
Dietary supplements
Recent research shows that people with early stages of AMD can benefit from high doses of nutritional supplements in the long term. This preventive treatment can delay the progression of the disease. It is best to take these supplements in consultation with your ophthalmologist.
What help is available for people with end-stage AMD?
People with end-stage AMD can use aids for the visually impaired to read and watch television, such as magnification devices, telescope glasses, large print and talking books and adapted computers. The ophthalmologist can inform you about this and refer you for it
