Treatments for Wet Macular Degeneration
This condition mainly affects the central part of your vision, making it hard to read, drive or recognize faces. Luckily, there's Eylea, a drug used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Anti-VEGF Injections
These injections are the most common treatment for wet macular degeneration. VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) is a protein that causes abnormal blood vessels to grow in the eye. Anti-VEGF medications, like Eylea or Lucentis, block VEGF, helping to reduce blood vessel growth and leakage. Injections are usually given every few weeks or months, depending on your doctor’s advice.
Laser Therapy
Sometimes, a laser is used to destroy abnormal blood vessels. Laser treatment can help stop further damage to the macula, but it may also leave small blind spots, so it’s used in certain cases only.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
This treatment combines a special light-sensitive drug with laser light. First, the drug is injected into your bloodstream. Then, a cold laser is shone into the eye, activating the drug, which helps close the abnormal blood vessels.
Eye Vitamins
While vitamins won’t cure wet macular degeneration, specific eye supplements, such as the AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study) formula, may help slow the progression in people with early macular degeneration. Talk to your doctor before taking any vitamins for your eyes.
Eylea
Eylea (aflibercept) is an injectable medication used to treat certain eye conditions that can lead to vision loss, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy and macular edema. It works by inhibiting a protein called VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), which plays a role in abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage that can damage the retina.
By blocking VEGF, Eylea helps to reduce swelling, prevent further vision loss and, in some cases, improve vision. Treatment with Eylea typically involves regular injections administered by an eye care specialist.
What is Wet Macular Degeneration?
Wet macular degeneration happens when abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye, specifically under the macula. The macula is a part of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, and it helps us see fine details clearly. When these new blood vessels leak fluid or blood, it damages the macula and makes your central vision blurry.
Wet macular degeneration is less common than the dry type but can progress quickly and cause more serious vision problems.
Signs of Wet Macular Degeneration
Recognizing the signs of wet macular degeneration early can help you get treatment sooner, which may slow down vision loss. Common signs include:
Blurry Central Vision
You may notice that the center of your vision becomes fuzzy or blurry, making it hard to read or see details.
Straight Lines Look Wavy
One of the early signs of wet macular degeneration is that straight lines may start to look curved or wavy. For example, the lines of a door frame or text on a page might appear bent.
Dark or Empty Spots in Vision
Some people develop a dark or blank area in the center of their vision. This can make it difficult to see faces, drive or watch TV.
Difficulty with Bright Lights
Some people with wet macular degeneration may find bright lights uncomfortable or may notice increased sensitivity to glare.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to see an eye doctor as soon as possible. The sooner you receive treatment, the better the chances of slowing vision loss.
Managing Wet Macular Degeneration
Wet macular degeneration can be a serious eye condition, but treatments like anti-VEGF injections, laser therapy and eye vitamins can help manage it. Knowing the signs can also make a big difference. If you notice blurry central vision, wavy lines or dark spots, talk to your doctor. Early treatment can help protect your vision.
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