The Lack Of Effective Macular Degeneration Treatments

There are strictly no macular degeneration treatments available, which are approved by FDA, which can guarantee cure for the disease. All treatments so far developed and practiced can assure to arrest its further development, progression and improve the power of vision. Success of any treatment method adapted would largely depend on the stage at which it is being treated. Initial or advanced stagesof macular degeneration would require different types of treatment modalities.

While there is no treatment option found yet for the treatment of dry macular degeneration, except for intervention through nutritional and lifestyle change options which might retard its progression. According to expert opinion, nutrients like zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamins A, C and E assist in slowing down the progress as well as reduce the risk of the disease Wet macular degeneration on the other hand advances very rapidly and can result in complete loss of vision. The main aim of treating wet form of macular degeneration is to stop the growth of atypical blood vessels with the inclusion of some FDA-approved medications.

Since there are no proven treatment options available for macular degeneration, doctors usually recommend regular eye examination, nutritional diet and changes in lifestyle. There are several low vision aids available in the market, which can assist those who have lost their vision, using magnifying lenses and bright lights. Some of these low vision devices may move vision to the side or peripheral areas, which help in improving vision.

Photodynamic therapy was one of the first treatment options for wet macular degeneration. It is recommended for those who have new growth of atypical blood vessels under their retina. Treating wet macular degeneration using laser photocoagulation is also an established procedure. Though not much in use today, it either kills or seals the growing blood vessels to prevent any leaking. The after effect of this type of therapy was that patients complained of spots in their line of vision. Researchers are working on how to reduce the scar formation as well as treatment options for dry macular degeneration, but outcome of the research is slow and gradual. In 2006, FDA has approved the use of ranibizumab, for the treatment of advanced and wet for form of macular degeneration. Essentially it inhibits the growth of unnecessary blood vessels in the retina. In 2004 FDA approved a new treatment for macular degeneration, which is with pegaptanib sodium. It makes use of a pre-decided molecule to combat the protein element which is responsible for the anomalous growth of blood vessels in the eye.