Treatments for Wet Macular Degeneration

This condition occurs when new blood vessels grow under the retina, which can leak fluid, leading to vision loss. Eylea is here to help. It's a drug used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

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 the 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.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Photodynamic therapy is one way to treat wet macular degeneration. In this method, a special medicine called verteporfin is injected into a vein in your arm. This medicine travels to the problem blood vessels in your eye. After the injection, a special light shines on your eye, activating the drug.

Anti-VEGF Injections

Anti-VEGF injections are a common treatment for wet macular degeneration. VEGF stands for vascular endothelial growth factor, which encourages the growth of new blood vessels. Anti-VEGF medicines work by blocking this protein, helping to stop new blood vessel growth and reducing leaking. These injections are usually given every month or a few months, based on your doctor’s advice. Some common anti-VEGF medications include:

Aflibercept (Eylea).
Ranibizumab (Lucentis).
Bevacizumab (Avastin).

Most people see some improvement in their vision after starting these injections.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a traditional way to treat wet macular degeneration. In this procedure, a strong laser is used to target and destroy the abnormal blood vessels. The laser creates a focused beam of light that only affects the leaking vessels. While laser therapy can help prevent more vision loss, it is not very effective at restoring lost vision. This treatment is usually reserved for specific cases of wet macular degeneration.

Lifestyle Changes

You can make some lifestyle changes to help manage wet macular degeneration. Here are a few tips:

Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses that block UV rays when you’re outside to shield your eyes from sun damage.
Eat a healthy diet: Focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Foods like leafy greens, fish and nuts are especially good for eye health.
Exercise regularly: Being active can improve your overall health and may help reduce the risk of eye diseases.
Quit smoking: If you smoke, quitting can lower your risk of developing macular degeneration.

Vision Rehabilitation

If you lose some vision due to wet macular degeneration, vision rehabilitation can help you adapt. This includes:

Low vision aids: Special devices like magnifying glasses or improved lighting can help you see better.
Training: Specialists can teach you new techniques for daily tasks to make the most of your remaining vision.

Nutritional Supplements

While supplements can’t cure wet macular degeneration, they can support eye health and may slow down the disease's progress. Some vitamins and minerals that may help include:

Vitamin C.
Vitamin E.
Zinc.
Copper.
Lutein.
Zeaxanthin.

Before starting any supplements, be sure to talk to your doctor about what is best for you.

Wet Macular Degeneration Management

Wet macular degeneration can be a difficult condition, but there are many ways to manage it. If you notice any changes in your vision, see an eye doctor as soon as possible. With the right treatment and lifestyle changes, you can protect your vision and maintain a good quality of life. Always follow your doctor's advice and stay proactive about your eye health!

Read on to learn about the signs of dry eye.

Brighten Your World: Solutions for Wet Macular Degeneration