A treatment for macular degeneration may be available to you. The first step is understanding the problem, how each type differs, and what treatment options are available. Unfortunately, there is no one cure all medication that can reverse or stop the progression of macular degeneration. In fact, the condition is generally irreversible. For many patients, the goal is to find a treatment for macular degeneration that slows the onset of the condition.
Different Types, Different Treatments
There are two different types of macular degeneration. Each is caused by different factors and requires a different type of treatment. Central geographic atrophy, or dry macular degeneration, is the slower of the two. This type happens when the retinal pigment epithelial layer begins to atrophy. This leads to a loss of photoreceptors, or rods and cones, in the center of the eye.
Neovascular, or wet macular degeneration, happens a different way. This condition forms when blood vessels begin to grow through the Bruch’s membrane. This abnormal growth can lead to hemorrhaging and scaring of the eye. In time, the damage will become irreversible if not treated promptly. The wet form also tends to progress much more quickly, making fast diagnosis very important. A treatment for macular degeneration could help the patient hold on to their vision, or even improve it if symptoms have begun to appear.
Finding the Right Treatment for Macular Degeneration
Patients should keep in mind that even when you find the right treatment for macular degeneration, it may not be able to completely cure the problem. This is why early detection is so important. Patients experiencing dry macular degeneration have found that the right quantity of antioxidants can help improve the condition. Vitamin supplements have also been known to have a positive effect on the progression of symptoms.
When dealing with the wet form, patients have a number of options. A popular treatment is the use of injectable drugs. These can help stop and slow the growth of abnormal blood vessels. Some physicians combine injectable treatments with laser surgery. Regardless of which treatment for macular degeneration your doctor recommends, remember to act quickly and begin as soon as possible.