Wet macular degeneration is a serious eye problem that affects your vision. It happens when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak blood or fluid. This causes the central part of your vision to blur. The condition mostly affects older adults and can cause severe vision loss if not treated early. You can learn more about the effective treatments of wet macular degeneration here.
What is Wet Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease, particularly in older adults. According to The Cleveland Clinic, AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in people who are aged 60 and older in the U.S.
The condition affects part of the retina called the macula, located in the center of the retina at the back of the eye. It is responsible for central vision. This means that people with AMD have the ability to see things off to the side (peripheral vision) but are unable to see things directly in front of them.
There are two types of macular degeneration, dry and wet. Dry AMD is more common and progresses slowly as the cells in the macula break down. Wet AMD, on the other hand, is less common but much more serious because it can quickly lead to total loss of central vision. It accounts for 90% of legal blindness cases related to macular degeneration.
Macular degeneration often shows no symptoms in its early stages, making annual eye examinations crucial. Early detection is key to managing this condition.
How is Wet AMD Diagnosed?
Diagnosing wet AMD typically involves a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of eye diseases. These eye exams enable your provider to detect the disease early and initiate treatments when they are most effective.
During the exam, your ophthalmologist will assess your medical history and visual symptoms and use a range of tests to check for changes in your retina and macula. The following advanced diagnostic tools are instrumental in confirming the presence of wet AMD:
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Produces high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the retina. This allows for the detection of fluid or blood beneath the macula.
- Fluorescein angiography: Involves injecting a fluorescent dye into the bloodstream. A special camera then tracks the dye as it moves through the blood vessels in the eye, revealing any abnormal blood vessels or leakage under the retina.
Early and accurate diagnosis is critical for effective management and prevention of severe vision loss associated with wet AMD.
Current Treatment Options
Injections
One common treatment for wet AMD is anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections. These medications can’t cure the condition, but they help block the production of VEGF (a protein that produces new blood vessels). This reduces the number of abnormal blood vessels in the retina. It also helps to slow any leaking from the blood vessels and may improve vision. Popular brands include Avastin® (Bevacizumab), Lucentis® (Ranibizumab), and Eylea® (Aflibercept). Patients usually need these injections every month to keep their vision stable.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is another option. This treatment uses a special laser to destroy the abnormal blood vessels that cause wet AMD. While effective, it can also damage nearby healthy tissue and may not be suitable for everyone.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves a combination of an injectable light-sensitive drug and a laser to destroy additional blood vessels in your eye. The treatment may be combined with anti-VEGF injections.
Supplements
Besides medical treatments, certain supplements can also help. EyePromise Restore, EyePromise Zeaxanthin, and EyePromise AREDS 2 Plus are popular choices. These supplements contain essential nutrients that support eye health and may slow the progression of AMD.
The Burden of Frequent Treatments
One challenge with current treatments is the need for frequent visits. Monthly injections can be a burden for many patients. This is why ongoing research is focused on finding new treatments that require fewer visits. There are some promising new treatments currently being explored, these include:
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy is one exciting development. This treatment aims to correct the genetic problems that cause wet AMD. It could potentially offer a long-term solution with fewer treatments.
Sustained-Release Implants
Another promising option is sustained-release implants. These devices release medication slowly over time, reducing the need for frequent injections. This could greatly improve the quality of life for patients with wet AMD.
How Advanced Sight Center Can Help
At Advanced Sight Center, we offer a range of treatments for wet AMD, including VEGF injections, laser therapy, and EyePromise supplements. Our team includes a board-certified retinal specialist and board-certified ophthalmologists who are experts in managing this condition. We use advanced methods to ensure the best care for our patients.
The Importance of Early Detection
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that an estimated 19.8 million (12.6%) Americans aged 40 years and over were living with AMD in 2019. This figure is expected to rise with 288 million people predicted to have the condition globally by 2040.
Early detection is crucial for managing wet AMD. Regular eye exams can catch the condition before it causes severe damage. At Advanced Sight Center, we use advanced diagnostic tests to detect eye diseases early. This allows us to start treatment promptly and protect your vision.
Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment Near You in Washington, MO
Wet AMD is a serious condition, but with the right care, you can manage it effectively. At Advanced Sight Center, our board-certified ophthalmologists are here to help. We will diagnose your condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan to ensure the best outcomes.
To learn more, contact us today at (636) 239-1650 or request an appointment online for high-quality, comprehensive eye care. Visit us at our office in Washington, Missouri, and take the first step towards better eye health.
