Despite ongoing medical research, there is no cure yet for "dry" macular degeneration. Recent studies have confirmed that nutritional supplements may prevent and slow macular degeneration. Treatment of this condition focuses on helping a person find ways to cope with visual impairment.
In its early stages "wet" macular degeneration can be treated with laser surgery, a brief and usually painless outpatient procedure. Laser surgery uses a highly focused beam of light to seal the leaking blood vessels that damage the macula. Although a small, permanently dark "blind spot" is left at the point of laser contact, the procedure can preserve more sight overall.
More recently an injection has been developed which often enhances the result of the laser treatment. Despite advanced medical treatment, many people with macular degeneration still experience some vision loss.
Your eye doctor can prescribe optical devices or refer you to a low-vision specialist or center. A wide range of support services and rehabilitation programs are also available to help people with macular degeneration maintain a satisfying lifestyle.
Because side vision is usually not affected, a person's remaining sight can be very useful. Often, people can continue with many of their favorite activities by using low-vision optical devices such as magnifying devices, closed-circuit television, large-print reading materials, and talking or computerized devices.
