Macular Degeneration Treatment

Macular degeneration is one of the most common eye conditions causing vision loss in older people. In macular degeneration, the macula (the central portion of the retina) is damaged, causing impairment of central vision. Some people with the condition progress slowly, with gradual vision loss. Others may have quickly progressing symptoms or sudden vision loss.¹

There are two kinds of AMD: dry AMD and wet AMD. Treatment can vary depending on the stage and type of AMD. Dry AMD can have early, intermediate, and advanced stages. The advanced stage of dry AMD is also known as geographic atrophy. Wet AMD is by definition always considered advanced or late AMD.¹

Slowing disease progression

While there is no cure for AMD, there are various treatments available for certain stages of the condition, and both you and your doctor can decide what treatments are most appropriate for your stage and symptoms.¹

The goal of treatment is not to cure or reverse the damage that has been done by AMD, but rather to slow or stop the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.¹

Treatments and therapies to slow progression

Each person with AMD is unique, and so each person will respond differently to certain treatments and therapies.

Dry AMD

Nutritional supplements such as the AREDS2 formulation may help slow the progression of dry AMD for some people, preserving both vision and quality of life for a longer period of time.¹

Two drugs have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat geographic atrophy related to dry AMD:^2,3

• Syfovre^® (pegcetacoplan)
• Izervay™ (avacincaptad pegol)

Wet AMD

Other treatments such as eye injections, laser procedures, and photodynamic therapy are aimed at slowing the progression of wet AMD, with the goal of preventing further vision loss.¹

Preserving and promoting quality of life

Quality of life is important for people with macular degeneration because impaired vision can have significant effects on life, including personally, professionally, and socially. Occupational therapy or assistive devices may help people with macular degeneration maintain independence, continue doing things they enjoy, and perform essential activities of daily living.⁴

These resources may help reduce feelings of helplessness and depression when coping with a chronic vision-threatening disease and help shift focus to enjoying life.⁴

Quality of life and AMD

Vision impairment in the earlier stages of AMD might include:⁴

• Reduced contrast sensitivity
• Trouble adjusting to dark environments after being in bright areas
• Blank spots when looking at something or someone

While frustrating and annoying, these may not have a major impact on quality of life at first. As AMD progresses, severe impairment to central vision and acuity may occur, the ability to see in dimly lit environments may be markedly reduced, and vision loss may become significant enough to severely limit activities that you previously enjoyed.⁴

Risks and complications of AMD

People living with AMD are at risk for developing clinical depression. This is not only because of how the condition affects daily activities. It is also because AMD can affect your ability to take care of yourself in various ways, impact your social interactions, and increase your risk of falls or fractures.⁴

People with AMD have shown levels of emotional distress that are similar to those suffering from other disabling chronic illnesses. This makes it especially important to get help with promoting and maintaining good quality of life.⁴

Stargardt disease

Stargardt disease is a subtype of macular degeneration that is inherited and usually causes vision loss by late childhood or adolescence, though it can occur in early adulthood. There is no treatment for Stargardt disease, just suggested lifestyle changes.⁵

Myopic macular degeneration

While it is a distinct condition separate from macular degeneration, myopic macular degeneration shares similarities with wet AMD. Due to these similarities, myopic macular degeneration is often treated like wet AMD.⁶

Talk to your doctor

If you have been diagnosed with AMD, Stargardt disease, or myopic macular degeneration, talk with your eye doctor about possible treatment options for your type and stage and what might be most beneficial at this time. Think about the things you would like your treatment to achieve, and check with your doctor to see if those goals are achievable.

Expectations of treatment can vary, so it is important to know the limitations of different treatments and the expected outcomes. That way there will be no surprises, and everyone can work together toward your wellness goals.