Macular degeneration is a condition that affects the eyes and adversely impacts vision. Presently, there are no treatments available that can reverse the effects of macular degeneration. However, there are new treatments that help prevent further damage to the eye and preserve vision.
Anti-angiogenic medicine
Anti-angiogenic medicine is a new treatment used to treat wet macular degeneration, which shows promise over more traditional laser treatments. This drug therapy targets blood vessels that are growing out of control as a result of macular degeneration. The physician first numbs the eye and then inserts a medication called pegaptanib sodium. The drug, with the brand name of Macugen, stops the blood vessels growth and prevents leaking and bleeding, which often adversely impacts vision. The treatment is repeated every six weeks.
Photocoagulation
Photocoagulation involves the use of a laser beam which burns the abnormal blood vessels in the retina. This treatment method is only available to a small percentage of patients whose abnormal blood vessels have not yet entered the area of central vision, called the fovea.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy involves the injection of a drug called verteporfin into the bloodstream. This drug, with the brand name Visudyne, concentrates in the abnormal blood vessels underneath the the macula (the central portion of the retina). A cold laser light is beamed at these areas in and activates the drug to close off the abnormal blood vessels.
Macular Translocation Surgery
Surgery is rare for macular degeneration, but there has been success with macular translocation surgery in patients who still have healthy tissue remaining around the fovea. The procedure involves detaching the retina and moving the fovea towards healthy tissue and away from the damaged blood vessels.
Other Treatments
Certain treatments including ranspapillary thermotherapy, radiation therapy and submacular therapy have fallen out of favor because they have been proven to be of little value in treating macular degeneration. Stem cell research may lead to additional macular degeneration treatments to help cure this disease and preserve and protect vision.
Tags: blood vessels, macular degeneration, abnormal blood, abnormal blood vessels, adversely impacts, adversely impacts vision, Anti-angiogenic medicine
