Macular Degeneration

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 7, 2024.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
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AMBULATORY CARE:

Macular degeneration (MD)

is an eye disease that occurs with aging. The macula (center part) of your retina (back part) declines or becomes damaged. The macula helps you see images in sharp detail. When the macula becomes damaged, it causes blurring or loss of vision in the center of your eyesight.

Cause and types of MD:

The exact cause of MD is unknown. MD may occur when the retina does not get enough nutrients. Decreased nutrients cause the supporting tissues of the retina to break down, and waste material collects. The damaged tissues and waste material cause drusen (hard, abnormal tissue growths) to form under the retina. The light-sensitive cells of the eyes are then injured, causing blurring in the center part of your sight. The following are the 2 types of MD:

• Dry MD is the most common and slowly causes mild vision loss. Dry MD can sometimes turn into the wet form.
• Wet MD is more severe and can quickly damage your vision. It occurs when new, abnormal blood vessels grow in your retina. The blood vessels may break open, causing blood to leak out. Small scars may also form.

Common signs and symptoms:

Vision problems may progress slowly or quickly. You may have symptoms in one or both eyes:

• A blind spot in the center of your vision
• Distorted vision, such as seeing straight lines that look wavy to you
• Blurred vision in one or both eyes
• Inability to see colors, depth, or detail clearly
• Painless worsening of vision
• Trouble seeing at night, in the dark or dim light, or while reading

Seek care immediately if:

• You suddenly lose vision in one or both eyes.

Call your doctor if:

• You have new or increased blurred vision or blind spots.
• You have new or increased trouble seeing or eye pain when in the light.
• You see new or an increased number of floaters (spots).
• Your symptoms prevent you from doing your daily activities.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Treatment for MD

may include any of the following:

• Photodynamic therapy is a procedure used to seal the leaking blood vessels in your eye. A medicine is injected to collect the extra blood. A laser is then used to seal the blood vessels and stop the bleeding.
• Laser photocoagulation is a procedure that uses a thermal (heat) laser to seal the leaking blood vessels. This may turn the wet form of MD into the less serious dry form.
• Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VGEF) is the most common treatment for wet MD. It is medicine given as an injection into your eye. The anti-VEGF medicine may stop blood vessels from growing and leaking. The injections may need to be repeated.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Lucentis
• Eylea
• Vabysmo
• Syfovre
• Izervay

View more treatment options

Self-care:

• Go to visual rehab. Visual rehab helps you function with your vision loss. A therapist may help you choose tools to use, and suggest ways to keep your home or workplace safe. You may learn to use certain assistive devices. Examples include corrective and magnifying glasses, large print materials, and calculators with large number pads. Talking books and computer programs that type as you speak may also be helpful. Ask for information about assistive devices you can use. Together, you and your healthcare provider will plan a visual rehab program that is right for you.
• Improve the lighting in your home. Increase the amount of light to help you see objects better. Use light bulbs that reduce glare. Ask your healthcare provider which types of light bulbs you should use or avoid.
• Protect your eyes from the sun. Always wear sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) protection lenses to protect your eyes when outdoors. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you avoid direct sunlight.
• Get regular eye exams. Adults age 40 to 64 should have an eye exam every 2 to 4 years. Adults age 65 and older should get an eye exam every 1 to 2 years.
• Eat foods that contain eye-healthy nutrients. Eye-healthy nutrients include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Examples of foods that contain these nutrients include spinach, peanuts, salmon, collard greens, avocados, squash, eggs, and blueberries. Ask your provider for a full list of foods that contain eye-healthy nutrients. You may also need to take a vitamin or supplement to help you get enough.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can make MD worse. Ask your provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

You may be referred to an eye specialist. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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