Low Vision | Macular Degeneration Treatment

Macular degeneration, often an age related chronic disease, results in visual impairments that are not only irritating but also disabling, including blind spot in visual field. With early detection and expert’s advice, the progression of the disease can be slowed down in some cases. Once developed, various measures can help patients lead a normal life by improving their vision.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment | Low Vision Specialists of MD & VA

Macular Degeneration Treatment

Dry age related macular degeneration (AMD) has a slow progression while the wet AMD progresses more rapidly. None of the types are curable, only can be managed and vision improved with tools and aids. In some patients, progress can be slowed via certain measures.

Please note, self medication is not at all recommended, always visit your doctor as soon as you suspect macular degeneration.

 

 

 

Treatment of dry AMD

Dry AMD progresses slowly and the peripheral vision isn’t affected. Treatment and management of dry AMD includes:

  • Eye wears (best to have all qualities in them)
    • Customized Optical Systems with Rx
      • AMD Telescope Glasses
      • AMD Microscope Glasses
    • Using prism based lenses in glasses for magnification
    • Antiglare glasses
    • Anti-reflective glasses
    • High contrast glasses

 

  • Magnification Devices
    • Handheld magnifiers
    • Stand magnifiers
    • LED magnifiers
    • Digital magnifiers

 

  • Diet and nutrition (discuss with your doctor in detail)
    • Foods rich in vitamin A, C and E:
      • Green leafy vegetables (e.g. spinach)
      • Kiwi
      • Oranges
      • Tomatoes
      • Carrots
    • Supplements (always discuss with your doctor before using any supplement)

 

  • Managing risk factors
    • Quit smoking
    • Control diabetes
    • Control blood pressure
    • Control cholesterol

 

  • House and life style changes
    • Using larger print books
    • Contrast on stair steps
    • Simple arrangement of furniture
    • Non slippery floor and rugs
    • Contrast on doors, windows, buttons
    • Large screen television or monitors

 

Treatment of Wet AMD

Due to difference in underlying pathology, wet AMD management includes:

  • anti-VGEF medication that prevents the growth of new blood vessels in eye under the retina
  • laser surgery to destroy abnormal blood vessels in the eye that are causing macular degeneration
  • Same management as of Dry AMD for the management of damage caused to the vision already

 

In recent years, surgical techniques like macular translocation (re-positioning of macula to an unaffected area of retina) and lens implantation (replacing lens of the eye with artificial one to enhance vision) are introduced too but they have their own risks and disadvantages along with the obvious advantages!

Make sure you consult your eye care specialist as soon as the symptoms are experienced and macular degeneration is suspected to get the best opinion and treatment options for your specific case.

Remember that early detection of macular degeneration can help in slowing down its progress and always consult an expert eye care specialists to know the best available options for you to lead a normal life without visual impairments.

If you or a loved one has vision loss due to Macular Degeneration, CALL TODAY FOR A FREE PHONE CONSULTATION.

Low Vision Specialists of Maryland and Virginia serving the following areas since 1975:
MARYLAND: Annapolis, Baltimore, Bel Air, Bowie, Carney, Cockeysville, Crofton, Elkton, Essex, Fallston, Fredrick, Glenwood, Hampstead, Havre De Grace, Jarrettsville, Kingsville, Laurel, Lutherville, Manchester, Monkton, Parkton, Parkville, Phoenix, Pikesville, Randallstown, Reisterstown, Severn, Severna Park, Silver Spring, Sparks-Glencoe, Sparrows Point, Towson, Westminster, and Perry Hall
PENNSYLVANIA: Harrisburg, Hershey, Middleton,  Shrewsbury,  and York.
VIRGINIA:  Alexandria, Fairfax, Tysons Corner, and Vienna

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