An Overview of Treatment for Wet Macular Degeneration
Each treatment may slow the rate of vision decline or stop further vision loss, but the disease and loss of vision will progress despite treatment for wet
macular degeneration. There is no cure for wet macular degeneration.
Your doctor can describe your treatment options and the expected results of each. You and your doctor can work together to develop a treatment plan that meets your medical needs and personal values. Choosing the most appropriate treatment for wet macular degeneration is a decision that ideally involves both the patient and the healthcare team.
Photodynamic Therapy
This treatment uses a drug (verteporfin) that is injected into your arm. It travels throughout the body, including the new blood vessels in your eye. The drug tends to "stick" to the surface of new blood vessels. Next, a light is shined into your eye for about 90 seconds. The light activates the drug. The activated drug destroys the new blood vessels and leads to a slower rate of vision decline. Unlike laser surgery, this drug does not destroy surrounding healthy tissue.
Because the drug is activated by light, you must avoid exposing your skin or eyes to direct sunlight or bright indoor light for five days after this wet
macular degeneration treatment.
Photodynamic therapy is relatively painless. It takes about 20 minutes, and can be performed in a doctor's office.
Photodynamic therapy slows the rate of vision loss, but it does not stop vision loss or restore vision in eyes already damaged by advanced macular degeneration. Treatment results often are temporary, and you may need to be treated again.
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