Wilmer ophthalmologists are leading experts in the study, diagnosis and treatment of AMD. Because AMD can be relentless in its assault on vision, early diagnosis is critical to begin monitoring for the wet form. Wilmer has led development of studies of automated analysis and detection of this earlier stage, as well as studies evaluating devices that may be used in the home to detect conversion of the drug to wet form before substantial vision loss has occurred, when treatment has the greatest chance to preserve vision.
While there is no cure, age-related macular degeneration treatments may prevent severe vision loss or slow the progression of the disease considerably. Several treatment options are available, including:
Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medicines. These medications -- injected into the middle cavity of the eye during an in-office procedure – can cause regression of as well as block the development of new blood vessels and leakage from wet macular degeneration. This treatment, based on studies in the laboratory and clinic led by Wilmer physicians, has been a major change in the treatment of this condition; many patients have actually regained vision that was lost. The treatment may need to be repeated on follow-up visits. Published studies have shown that approximately 90% of patients treated at Wilmer for wet AMD no longer go blind. Dietary Supplements. A large study performed by the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health, called AREDS -- Age-Related Eye Disease Study -- showed that for certain individuals, vitamins C, E, beta-carotene, zinc, and copper can decrease the risk of vision loss by reducing the risk of developing wet AMD in patients with drusen. A second study, AREDS2, showed that substituting lutein and zeaxanthin for beta-carotene likely results in similar results for use in people who are active cigarette smokers for whom beta-carotene could increase the risk of lung cancer. Low vision aids and rehabilitation. Devices that have special lenses or electronic systems that produce enlarged images of nearby objects. They may help people who have vision loss from AMD, especially in conjunction with guidance from professionals who combine such aids with visual rehabilitation techniques. Implantable Miniature Telescope: A tiny telescope that is implanted inside the eye to improve vision and quality of life for a very few selected individuals affected in both eyes with substantial loss from AMD who have not had cataract surgery in at least one eye. The …show more content…
If only one eye is affected, you may not notice any changes in your vision because your good eye may compensate for the weak eye. And the condition doesn't affect side (peripheral) vision, so it rarely causes total blindness.
Dry macular degeneration is one of two types of age-related macular degeneration. It can progress to wet (neovascular) macular degeneration, which is characterized by blood vessels that grow under the retina and leak. The dry type is more common, but it usually progresses slowly (over years). The wet type is more likely to cause a relatively sudden change in vision resulting in serious vision loss.
When to see a doctor
See your eye doctor if:
You notice changes in your central vision
Your ability to see colors and fine detail becomes impaired
These changes may be the first indication of macular degeneration, particularly if you're over age
While there is no cure, age-related macular degeneration treatments may prevent severe vision loss or slow the progression of the disease considerably. Several treatment options are available, including:
Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medicines. These medications -- injected into the middle cavity of the eye during an in-office procedure – can cause regression of as well as block the development of new blood vessels and leakage from wet macular degeneration. This treatment, based on studies in the laboratory and clinic led by Wilmer physicians, has been a major change in the treatment of this condition; many patients have actually regained vision that was lost. The treatment may need to be repeated on follow-up visits. Published studies have shown that approximately 90% of patients treated at Wilmer for wet AMD no longer go blind. Dietary Supplements. A large study performed by the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health, called AREDS -- Age-Related Eye Disease Study -- showed that for certain individuals, vitamins C, E, beta-carotene, zinc, and copper can decrease the risk of vision loss by reducing the risk of developing wet AMD in patients with drusen. A second study, AREDS2, showed that substituting lutein and zeaxanthin for beta-carotene likely results in similar results for use in people who are active cigarette smokers for whom beta-carotene could increase the risk of lung cancer. Low vision aids and rehabilitation. Devices that have special lenses or electronic systems that produce enlarged images of nearby objects. They may help people who have vision loss from AMD, especially in conjunction with guidance from professionals who combine such aids with visual rehabilitation techniques. Implantable Miniature Telescope: A tiny telescope that is implanted inside the eye to improve vision and quality of life for a very few selected individuals affected in both eyes with substantial loss from AMD who have not had cataract surgery in at least one eye. The …show more content…
If only one eye is affected, you may not notice any changes in your vision because your good eye may compensate for the weak eye. And the condition doesn't affect side (peripheral) vision, so it rarely causes total blindness.
Dry macular degeneration is one of two types of age-related macular degeneration. It can progress to wet (neovascular) macular degeneration, which is characterized by blood vessels that grow under the retina and leak. The dry type is more common, but it usually progresses slowly (over years). The wet type is more likely to cause a relatively sudden change in vision resulting in serious vision loss.
When to see a doctor
See your eye doctor if:
You notice changes in your central vision
Your ability to see colors and fine detail becomes impaired
These changes may be the first indication of macular degeneration, particularly if you're over age