Laser surgery is another treatment option for wet macular degeneration. Surgery for macular degeneration involves aiming a strong beam of light onto the new blood vessels to destroy them. Laser surgery is done in a doctor's office or in an eye clinic and lasts a short period of time. Although a person may go home the same day, he or she will need to return for follow-up exams.
Injections
There are several new treatments available for wet macular degeneration that involve injecting a medicine into the eye. Macugen® (pegaptanib sodium injection) and Lucentis® (ranibizumab) are two such drugs. Abnormally high levels of a specific growth factor occur in eyes with wet macular degeneration, which promotes the growth of abnormal new blood vessels. These drug treatments block the effects of the growth factor, which helps to slow (or even reverse) vision loss and macular damage.
You will need multiple injections for this wet macular degeneration treatment. The eye is numbed before each injection. After the injection, you will remain in the doctor's office for a while and your eye will be monitored.
Summary of Treatment for Wet Macular Degeneration
With any treatment for wet macular degeneration, lost vision cannot be restored. However, one should also not underestimate low vision rehabilitation as a treatment option for either type of macular degeneration.
Previous
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print