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return to main Eye Conditions page Medical Treatment of Age-related Macular DegenerationThere is no proven medical treatment to reverse or prevent progression of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). In October 2001, the National Institutes of Health relased the findings of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study. This study assessed the role of diet supplements in the prevention and/or stabilization of age-related macular degeneration. Another breakthrough accurred in May of 2000, with the FDA approval of Visudyne for the treatment of certain types of "wet" macular degeneration through photodynamic therapy. To understand the prognosis for those with ARMD, it is important to understand the degenerative process that effects millions of Americans every year.
What is Macular Degeneration?The most common type of ARMD is often described as "dry" macular degeneration. With this type of degeneration, pigment changes occur in the retina much like the variations that take place in our skin as we age. Vision loss may occur over time. The loss is usually slow and not as dramatic as with the "wet" type of degeneration. "Wet" degeneration results when blood vessels grow through membrane barriers in the retina. This often results in a dramatic reduction in vision. At times, laser treatments, including photdynamic therapy, may arrest or even destroy the blood vessels in question. Generally, once the "wet" form develops, medical treatment (non-surgical or non-laser) is not helpful in treating the condition. How can Macular Degeneration be Treated?No treatment has been proved to prevent progression of the so-called "dry" or degenerative type of ARMD, or in preventing it from converting to the "wet" form. Several treatments have been suggested, but none have proven very effective. The ARED study does suggest that a certain regimen of supplements may help. What can you do to reduce your risk?Carotenoids Dark green, leafy vegetables, containing lutein and zeaxanthin, are associated with a lower risk of ARMD, but it has not been conclusively proved that eating them prevents ARMD or halts its progression. One can consider eating portions of the following vegetables 4-5 times per week.
Anti-oxidant vitamins and Macular DegenerationIf you have very early macular degeneration or a strong family history of macular degeneration, please consider the following supplements along with the caroteoids discussed above:
You can obtain these vitamins over the counter without a prescription. I recommend that you take beta-carotene rather than high doses of supplemental Vitamin A, because Vitamin A itself, in high doses, can be toxic and damaging. Sunglasses and Macular DegenerationA second measure that may help is to wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from damage from bright sunlight. Proper sunglasses should block both invisible ultraviolet light and visible blue light. There is no easy way for the consumer to determine whether glass blocks ultraviolet light other than trusting the manufacturer's certification. Sunglasses should also block blue light. These sunglasses are dark brown, and through them, blue sky or blue fabric should appear gray rather than blue, indicating that the blue wavelengths have been blocked by the sunglasses. Most opticians can make prescription sunglasses that block blue and ultraviolet light. Therefore consider wearing outside:
Smoking and Macular DegenerationTobacco smoking almost certainly is harmful—therefore: DO NOT SMOKE. In summary, no preventative treatment has conclusively been proved to be beneficial. Consider the following:
If you already have more advanced macular degeneration, please read this link that I prepared based upon the results of the ARED study. |
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