Treatment and Care of AMD
While there is no known cure for AMD, treatment options are available to assist in slowing the progression and perhaps suspending the advancing AMD. Treatment options for AMD include a high‐dose formulation of antioxidants and zinc, Laser Surgery, Photodynamic therapy, and eye injections. It is possible, regardless of treatment for AMD to advance and the loss of central vision to continue.
Treating Wet AMD
Laser Surgery: Focused on destroying the abnormal, fragile, leaky blood vessels forming behind the retina, laser surgery produces a high beam light energy into the eye, targeting the weak blood vessels. With the successful destruction of the abnormal blood vessels, further vision loss may be prevented. It is possible during the procedure to affect inadvertently, the healthy surrounding tissue and further damage vision. Rarely preformed on individuals with wet AMD, laser surgery is most effective when the developing blood vessels are further away from the central part of the macula (known as the fovea). A single treatment is not a guarantee future blood vessels will not form. With a high risk for future developing blood vessels, multiple surgeries may be required. As mentioned above, despite laser surgery treatment, AMD vision loss may continue.
Photodynamic Therapy: Injected into your arm, a drug called Verteporfin travels through your blood stream, reaching the newly formed weak blood vessels behind the retina. This drug is designed to “stick” to the surface of newly formed blood vessels. As the drug sticks to the weak newly formed blood vessels, a light shone on the eye for nearly 90 seconds will activate the drug. Upon activation, the drug begins to destroy the abnormal blood vessels. As the drug is target specific to the blood vessels, the surrounding tissue in the eye is not damaged in the process. It is important to note, the drug is light activated and avoiding sunlight and bright indoor light must be avoided for 5 days following the procedure. Unable to completely prevent vision loss, photodynamic therapy slows the process and may require multiple treatments.
Injections: Recent developments have produced a procedure for treating wet AMD by injecting a drug treatment into the eye. As the growth of abnormal blood vessels occur behind the retina, these injections are targeted to prevent and block the growth of such abnormal blood vessels. Multiple injections are required and may be given as frequently as once a month. Following the injection, the doctor will monitor your response to the procedure. The injection of this drug will help slow the development of wet AMD and in some cases, partially improve sight.
Treating Dry AMD
In the event Dry AMD reaches the Advance stage, there is no treatment option available to prevent central vision loss. It is during the intermediate stage that preventative action may be taken to lessen the advancing AMD. Studies performed by the National Eye Institute found that high dose concentrated antioxidants and zinc significantly reduced the risk of Intermediate AMD progressing to Advance AMD. Since it is during the Advance AMD stage that vision loss occurs, lowering the risk for advance AMD may save you from the complete loss of central vision.
NEI AREDS (Age Related Eye Disease Study) formulation
During the AREDS study, researchers found high amounts of specific vitamins and minerals substantially reduced the progression of AMD. The high dosage consisted of:
500 milligrams g of Vitamin C
400 International Units of Vitamin E
15 milligrams of Beta‐Carotene
80 milligrams of Zinc as Zinc Oxide
2 milligrams of Copper as Cupric Oxide
The study did not indicate individuals with Early stage AMD benefited from the AREDS formulation. Not until the AMD progressed into the Intermediate stage was the formulation beneficial.
Caring for Your Vision with AMD
Dry AMD
For individuals with Dry AMD it is advised to have a dilated eye exam at least one time per year. These regular examinations will allow your Doctor to monitor the progression of AMD, and the overall health of your eyes. Depending on the stage of dry AMD, your Doctor may advise taking the AREDS formulation for those individuals with Intermediate AMD or Advance AMD. As studies do not indicate the AREDS formulation to benefit Early AMD, it is unlikely your Doctor will advise taking the AREDS formulation during the Early Stage AMD.
Every individual who has Wet AMD began with Dry AMD. The progression of Dry AMD is different for each person, therefore be wisely advised, Wet (Advance) AMD may develop at anytime. It is recommended those with Dry AMD daily evaluate their vision using an Amsler grid. This visual test pictured below (recommend this insert of text and visual chart), features a grid of parallel and horizontal lines, creaking a graph‐line image. Located in the center of the graph, a black spot will the area of visual focus. Covering one eye at a time, stare at the center black spot. As you concentrate and stare at the black spot, the lines in the graph may begin to appear wavy. It is possible for some lines to appear missing altogether. These experiences may be indications of AMD or progressing AMD stages.
Be aware of changes in your vision. If there are noticeable changes in your vision while performing daily tasks such as reading, watching TV, and hobbies, contact your eye care specialist immediately and schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
Wet
For individuals with Wet AMD, listen to the direction of your Doctor. Do not delay in following his or her treatment plan. If you have been diagnosed with Wet AMD and presently smoke, it is strongly advised you quit. Treatments for Wet AMD are far less successful for individuals with a smoking history. Frequent eye exams will be advised as Wet AMD progresses rapidly. The daily use of an Amsler grid may also be encouraged, and should any change in you vision occur, contact your eye care specialist immediately.
