9 How to Treat Macular Degeneration
9.1 Nutritional Supplements
Although the exact cause of macular degeneration is still unclear, numerous studies have shown that patients who are at risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can reduce their risk by 25% when treated with high doses of a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and zinc. However, this nutritional therapy appears to have no significant effect on those without AMD or who only have early-stage AMD.
Drusen, deposits under the retina, are a common feature of macular degeneration. While drusen themselves do not cause vision loss, an increase in their number or size often indicates a higher risk of progressing to advanced AMD. These patients typically show clear signs of drusen during eye exams and may also have abnormal blood vessels beneath the macula (wet AMD).
It is important to remember: nutritional therapy does not cure AMD nor restore lost vision. It should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.
9.2 Laser Treatment and Photodynamic Therapy
Wet macular degeneration can be treated with laser therapy, which is a straightforward outpatient procedure. Traditional laser surgery and photodynamic therapy are currently common treatment methods, especially the latter which can prevent severe vision loss in many patients with wet AMD. Other experimental methods include intravitreal injection of anti-angiogenic drugs or implantation of retinal implants to preserve vision.
Both laser and photodynamic therapies use specific light beams to stop or slow down the damage caused by abnormal blood vessels to the macula. This treatment will not restore your vision but will help you preserve your current vision.
9.3 Medication Treatment
Despite many advanced drug therapies, many patients with macular degeneration still experience varying degrees of vision loss.
9.4 Visual Aids
To help you adapt to low vision, ophthalmologists recommend wearing glasses or consulting a low-vision clinic. There, they can provide effective assistance to make your daily life as satisfactory as possible.
Since peripheral vision remains intact, this type of vision is still very useful for patients. Many patients with macular degeneration can continue to engage in their favorite activities with the help of low-vision aids such as magnifying glasses, closed-circuit television, large-print reading materials, and computer-assisted communication systems.
10 Self-testing Vision with an Amsler Grid
You can use the Amsler grid shown below to conduct a daily self-test of your vision. By using this chart, you can detect changes in your vision that you might otherwise overlook. You can stick it on the refrigerator so that you will remember to check your eyes every day.