Macular Degeneration Therapy

While there is still no proven macular degeneration therapy available for its dry form, early diagnosis is very important for the treatment of the wet form of macular degeneration. In some cases of wet macular degeneration, photocoagulation through the use of laser is performed. This seals the leaky blood vessels. These types of laser treatments cannot restore vision that is lost, but can arrest further degeneration. Photodynamic therapy is also being tried out on patients with wet macular degeneration. This therapy causes less damage than the photocoagulation therapy, and has become the therapy of choice with many doctors.

It is important to remember that earlier you resort to some form of macular degeneration therapy, the better chances you have in checking its rapid progression, which can ultimately lead to vision loss. Between the two forms, the wet type deteriorates faster. It is believed that the role of multivitamins and antioxidants is positive in the prevention and arresting the speed with which the disease progresses. There are many therapy options which are being tried or being developed to manage the progress of macular degeneration. The method which is best suited for you is decided by your eye doctor, after of course due consultation with you. Of the many methods currently being used in the management of macular degeneration, the most proven options are traditional laser treatments, photodynamic therapy and trans-pupillary thermo therapy. There are many nutritional supplements and life style changing options available, which also reduce the speed of progression of the disease.

The traditional laser treatment may at times be a self-defeating exercise. Since the treatment involves burning the atypical blood vessels, the process may damage the retina. This may in turn lead to reduced power of vision. Thus it suits only those here the unusual blood vessel growth are a little far from the macular area. The photo dynamic therapy involves injecting a colored marker to the unusual blood vessels and then destroying them with the help of a laser. The trans-pupillary thermo therapy uses infra red laser beams to close the leaky blood vessels without damaging the surrounding area. While the whole purpose of this type of treatment is to maintain the vision and not bring about any improvement, the choice lies entirely with the surgeon and the patient whether to go for this treatment option or not.

If you change your diet to one that is rich in fruits and green leafy vegetables, you might have a lesser chance of developing macular degeneration. Quitting smoking, regular eye examination, having foods rich in antioxidants, with zinc and lutein are other options which can help in the prevention of the dreaded disease.