Are Eye Injections Effective For Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness worldwide.
IALVS low vision eye doctors treat patients with vision loss from all types of sight-threatening diseases and conditions, including AMD. Read on to learn more about this eye disease, ways to treat or manage it, and what can be done if macular degeneration results in vision loss.
But First, Some Information on Macular Degeneration
Age-Related Macular Degeneration is a progressive eye disease that presents in 2 forms: dry and wet. While both types affect the retina’s central portion (the macula), they vary in severity.
Dry AMD is much more common, accounting for up to 90% of all AMD cases, and is generally less severe. Dry AMD causes a slow buildup of drusen (lipid and protein deposits) under the retina which can result in impaired central vision.
Although there isn’t yet a medical treatment for dry AMD, your IALVS low vision eye doctor may recommend regular monitoring, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and taking AREDS vitamin and mineral supplements to help reduce your chances of vision loss. If vision loss does occur, IALVS doctors can prescribe low vision glasses and other devices to allow you to continue doing those activities that are now difficult or impossible.
Wet AMD is more severe and can cause sudden and severe central vision loss. This late-stage form of AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels leak fluid into the macula, resulting in swelling and damaging the retinal tissue.
Can Eye Injections Prevent AMD-Related Vision Loss?
The most common type of injectable medicine is called Anti-VEGF, which has been shown to restore at least some lost vision — and prevent future vision loss — in many patients. These injectables work by absorbing any fluid leakage and then inhibiting the formation of new abnormal blood vessels in a safe and effective way.
Anti-VEGF medicines are administered in your eye doctor’s office every month or so and injected directly into the white part of the eye. Though that may sound scary, the procedure is quick and painless, thanks to the numbing drops your retina doctor administers.
It’s important to note that AMD treatments aren’t always effective, and many patients will still experience irreversible vision loss due to the disease. Despite their vision loss, AMD patients can still live meaningful and full lives with low vision aids and devices.
Low Vision Aids and Devices for Macular Degeneration
In good news, patients with AMD-related vision loss can maintain or regain their independence by using the low vision aids and devices most suited to their visual needs and lifestyle.
Common low vision aids include handheld and desktop magnifiers, bioptic, reading and full-diameter telescope glasses, magnifying reading glasses, prismatic glasses, E-Scoop glasses, and more.
Contact an IALVS low vision eye doctor near you, who will happily help you discover which low tools are right for you.
How an IALVS Low Vision Eye Doctor Can Help
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with AMD, there is hope.
Low vision eye doctors offer a wide range of the latest available low vision aids, glasses, and devices so you can do the things you love, whether it’s working on your computer, cooking, watching your favorite team compete, navigating outdoor spaces or driving.
To schedule your low vision consultation, consult our directory and book an appointment with an IALVS low vision eye doctor near you!