Macular degeneration is an eye disorder that impacts millions of people across the United States. Wet macular degeneration is a severe form of this disorder that can stem from older age, hereditary factors, and other health conditions like cardiovascular disease and obesity.
Continue reading to learn the three most common symptoms of wet macular degeneration, as well as available treatment options.
What Are The Symptoms of Wet Macular Degeneration?
Wet macular degeneration is a chronic condition impacting the blood vessels in the eyes. In wet macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels develop under the retina. The macula, which is the section of the retina that accounts for central vision, is then raised above its natural flat position, causing lost or distorted central vision.
The three main symptoms of wet macular degeneration are:
- Blurry and distorted vision
- Limited central vision
- Diminished color brightness and intensity
How Can Wet Macular Degeneration Be Treated?
There are two main categories of treatment for wet macular degeneration: medication and procedures. The goal of treatment for this condition is to delay the progression of the disease and maintain remaining vision. If treatment is started in the early stages of the disease progression, some lost vision may be restored.
Types of Medication
Medications used to treat wet macular degeneration can keep new blood vessels from forming. They do this by stopping the signals sent by the body to form new blood vessels and are in the form of an eye injection. Injections of the medication may need to be administered every four weeks to be effective.
Available medications include:
- Aflibercept
- Ranibizumab
- Bevacizumab
Types of Procedures
Certain procedures and therapies may also be used to treat wet macular degeneration. These include:
Photocoagulation: In photocoagulation, a high-energy laser is used to close off the blood vessels under the macula. This process causes scarring to stop bleeding of the vessels so that the macula doesn’t incur further damage.
Photodynamic therapy: In photodynamic therapy, an injection of verteporfin is administered into a vein in your arm, which will soon reach the blood vessels in your eye. Your doctor will activate the drug by shining a laser onto the blood vessels, causing them to close and stop further leakage.
Wet macular degeneration is a serious condition, but its progression can be stemmed with prompt treatment. Contact The Eye Clinic of Florida to learn more about available treatment options for wet macular degeneration.