Your central vision is essential for almost everything you do—imagine what life would be like if it were gone.
Sadly, individuals over 60 face a higher risk of developing macular degeneration, an eye disease that damages central vision. This condition, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD or ARMD), can have a significant impact on daily life.
In this article, we’ll explain what macular degeneration is, who is most at risk, and how it can be managed.
What is macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a progressive eye disease that occurs when the macula—the small, central part of the retina responsible for capturing sharp, detailed central vision—becomes damaged.
The macula plays a crucial role in activities like reading, driving, recognizing faces, and seeing fine details. When the macula deteriorates, it leads to blurred or distorted central vision, while peripheral vision typically remains unaffected.
Who is at risk of developing macular degeneration?
Some of the key risk factors for developing macular degeneration include:
Advancing age.
Smoking.
Prolonged exposure to sunlight.
A diet lacking in essential vitamins.
A family history of the disease.
Being of Caucasian descent.
How is macular degeneration diagnosed
Macular degeneration is diagnosed by evaluating several factors, including:
The appearance of the macula.
Thinning or disruption of the macula based on Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans.
At Northlake Eye, we conduct comprehensive macular degeneration evaluations, utilizing all of these diagnostic tools to ensure accurate assessment and care.
Dry vs wet macular degeneration
There are two primary forms of macular degeneration: the dry form (nonexudative) and the wet form (exudative).
The dry form is the more common of the two and typically causes gradual vision loss. While it progresses slowly, it must be closely monitored, as it can eventually develop into the more severe wet form.
The wet form, on the other hand, is characterized by abnormal blood vessels leaking or bleeding inside the eye, leading to rapid and significant vision loss. If diagnosed with the wet form, you would need to see a retinal surgeon for specialized management and treatment.
Dry macular degeneration treatment
Research has shown that taking AREDS 2 supplements (such as Ocuvite or Preservision) can help slow the progression of moderate dry macular degeneration and reduce the risk of it advancing to the more severe wet form. These specialized multivitamins provide key nutrients that support eye health and may help preserve vision over time. Regular monitoring and early intervention remain crucial in managing the disease.
Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of dry macular degeneration, characterized by the thinning and loss of retinal cells in the macula. Unfortunately, until recently, there have been no effective treatments for GA. However, recent advancements have introduced some promising treatment options aimed at slowing the progression of this condition. Here are a few of the treatments available:
Syfovre (Pegcetacoplan) Injections: Approved in 2023 by the FDA, Syfovre is the first treatment specifically for geographic atrophy. It is an intravitreal injection (into the eye) that targets certain pathways in the immune system believed to contribute to retinal cell damage. Clinical trials have shown that it can slow the progression of GA by reducing the rate of cell atrophy.
Izervay (Zimura): Also FDA-approved in 2023, Izervay is another injection-based treatment for GA. It works by inhibiting the complement system, a part of the immune system that plays a role in the degeneration of retinal cells. Like Syfovre, it has shown effectiveness in slowing disease progression.
Wet macular degeneration treatment
For wet macular degeneration, there are promising drugs and implants that target and block a molecule known as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). VEGF contributes to the abnormal growth of blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to vision-threatening complications, such as bleeding and fluid leakage.
Currently, several anti-VEGF agents are available for treatment, including:
Bevacizumab (Avastin).
Ranibizumab (Lucentis).
Aflibercept (Eylea).
Brolucizumab-dbll (Beovu).
These medications work by inhibiting VEGF, preventing further damage to the retina and often improving vision. They are administered through injections into the eye and have shown excellent success rates in preserving and even restoring vision for many patients with wet macular degeneration.
In addition to these drugs, new treatment options like Susvimo, an implantable device that slowly releases ranibizumab over time, are available. This reduces the need for frequent injections, offering more convenience and comfort for patients.
Thanks to these advancements in anti-VEGF therapy, many individuals with wet macular degeneration can maintain their vision and significantly improve their quality of life. Regular follow-up and monitoring are essential to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and to manage the disease proactively.
Concerned you may have or be at risk of having macular degeneration?
Schedule an eye exam with one of our doctors of optometry today!
Give us a call or simply schedule online: Northlake Mall | Concord Mills | Biltmore Park | Asheville Mall