Can macular degeneration be treated?
There is no current treatment to prevent vision loss for advanced dry age-related macular degeneration. However, a specific high-dose formula of antioxidants and zinc may delay or prevent intermediate AMD from progressing to the advanced stage. The wet form of the disease can be treated with photodynamic therapy PDT and injections into the eye. Photodynamic therapy invloves the injection of a light-sensitive drug into the patient’s bloodstream. The drug circulates throughout the blood vessels, including the abnormal vessels growing beneath the retina. A low-intensity laser is used to cause occlusion (closing) of the blood vessels. This can prevent further leaking of blood and fluid and prevent the growth of more abnormal blood vessels. After PDT some occluded blood vessels may become incorporated into scar tissue. There can also be re-growth of abnormal blood vessels and these will require additional treatment. A course of PDT treatments over several months is often necessary. PDT is o
