Prevention & Treatment of AMD
Proper nutrition plays a vital role in your overall eye health and can prevent or slow the progression of AMD. Some of the most important nutrients we can incorporate into our diets are:
You can increase your intake of these vitamins and nutrients by adjusting what you eat and what supplements you take. A healthy, balanced diet that involves eating lots of leafy green and other pigmented fruits and vegetables can ensure you’re getting the antioxidants and nutrients you need.
Dry, or atrophic, age-related macular degeneration accounts for approximately 85% of AMD cases. It typically causes gradual vision loss. This type of AMD causes tiny clumps of protein, called drusen, to clump in the retina at the back of the eye.
There is no treatment to reverse dry AMD, but the right nutrition and UV protection can help slow its progression.
Wet, or exudative, age-related macular degeneration can cause rapid, irreversible vision loss. As the blood vessels in the retina at the back of the eye become damaged over time, the eyes grow abnormal vessels to replace them. The new blood vessels can burst, leaking blood and other fluid into the eye.
When fluid leaks into the eye, it can cause significant scarring on the macular tissue. Wet AMD can develop from dry AMD, or it can happen on its own. The best way to manage and prevent either type is to undergo regular comprehensive eye exams.
Monitoring your vision is the first and most crucial step to avoid permanent vision loss and damage to your ocular tissues. We may use an Amsler grid to test each eye and watch for changes in your vision. If caught early, there are some treatment options available to stop the progression of wet AMD and reverse some damage.
- Visual distortions, such as straight lines appearing wavy
- Reduced central vision or blind spots in 1 or both eyes
- Difficulty seeing in low light
- Blurred vision
Dr. Macha and his associates may refer you to a retinal specialist to treat wet AMD, which may include anti-VEGF therapy.
