Currently, no treatments are available that can cure macular degeneration. People must rely on treatments to alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. Some have even been shown to restore some degree of eyesight, but these results are limited. Medical researchers are continuously working to improve current treatment methods, and introducing new treatments that may produce better results.
Anti-Angiogenic Drugs
One of the most frequently used, and most effective, macular degeneration treatments is anti-angiogenic drugs. These medications are injected into the eye and can stop the production of new, abnormal blood vessels, while also inhibiting leakage from abnormal blood vessels. Some patients who have received this treatment have partially regained lost vision, though this only happens for a minority. Most people can expect stabilized vision, which greatly enhances their quality of life.
Photodynamic Therapy
Some macular degeneration treatments rely on lasers. One version called photodynamic therapy involves a drug that is injected into the patient's blood stream. The drug is absorbed by the eye's abnormal blood vessels. A cold laser beam is then directed at the eye, essentially damaging the blood vessels that are causing macular degeneration. Conventional laser therapy is another treatment option. For decades, photodynamic therapy and laser therapy were the best treatment options. The newer anti-angiogenic drugs are more effective. Nonetheless, ophthalmologists still sometimes utilize these therapies in certain cases.
Implantable Telescope Lens
In recent years, patients have gained access to a revolutionary new treatment that involves an implantable telescope lens. It sounds like space-age technology, and that's essentially what it is. During a surgical procedure performed by a highly qualified ophthalmologist, the affected eye's lens is completely removed. It is then replaced with an implantable telescope lens, or IMT.
Patients who have undergone the procedure find that their eyesight is remarkably improved. After the surgery, patients generally participate in rehabilitative therapy for six months to a year so that they learn to effectively use the device. The technology was approved by the FDA in 2010, so the procedure is not widely available in all areas of the country. Still, the marvelous success rate of the completed procedures suggest that its use is likely to grow exponentially.
Vision Specialists
Typically, you receive routine eye examinations from an optometrist. As an eye doctor, this medical professional is trained to diagnose vision problems and health disorders that may occur in the eyes. Additionally, he or she may prescribe medications or vision correction apparatus. If your optometrist detects a more serious condition, such as macular degeneration, your optometrist will probably refer you to an ophthalmologist.
Your ophthalmologist will have much of the same training as your optometrist, but this type of professional is also trained and licensed to perform surgeries. Moreover, an ophthalmologist receives specialized clinical training and has access to more advanced equipment that may permit him or her to diagnose the onset of macular degeneration before an optometrist can. If you have a family history of macular degeneration, it may make sense to have an ophthalmologist providing all of your eye care so that you have quicker access to treatments for macular degeneration.
