While there is currently no cure for the disease, we can refer you to specialists who offer a number ofmacular degeneration treatment options in Leesburg, Eustis, and Clermont. The doctors at Fishman & Sheridan eyeCare Specialists are committed to providing direction for patients who are experiencing symptoms of macular degeneration. Time is of the essence, as early detection is always ideal. For further information about macular degeneration treatment options, contact our Leesburg, Eustis, or Clermont offices.
Types of Macular Degeneration Treatment
Medication
Since dry macular degeneration is the result of cellular and tissue deterioration, eye care professionals usually suggest a combination of vitamins and supplements, as well as changes in nutritional intake. Vitamins C, E, zinc, copper, and beta-carotene have been shown to slow vision loss. Your vitamin regimen should be a topic of discussion with your Fishman & Sheridan eyeCare Specialists doctor.
Wet macular degeneration occurs when blood vessels develop under the macula or under the retina, and leak fluid, disrupting its function. For the treatment of wet macular degeneration, there are intra-ocular injectable drugs available. Medication is frequently a stand-alone treatment, but may also be used in conjunction with laser or surgical treatments in rare cases. The drugs, called anti-vascular endothelial growth factor medication, are designed to block the development of new blood vessels in the eye and prevent further deterioration of vision.
Laser Therapy
Wet macular degeneration is more serious than dry, but fortunately there are a greater number of options available to treat it. Two major kinds of laser therapy are used in macular degeneration treatment. In laser therapy, a laser is directly used to destroy blood vessels that are growing in the eye. The other is called photodynamic laser therapy. In this treatment, the patient is injected with a drug that is absorbed by eye blood vessels. When activated with a laser, the drug damages abnormal blood vessels.
Surgical Therapy
In submacular surgery, abnormal blood vessels and excess fluid are surgically removed from the eye. Retinal translocation surgery is performed when abnormal blood vessels are located below the macula, which a laser can damage. During the procedure, the macula is relocated to another part of the eye and the abnormal blood vessels are taken care of.
Contact us about Macular Degeneration Treatment
In all cases, damage to vision can be slowed by macular degeneration treatment. The eye care specialists at our Leesburg, Eustis, and Clermont offices are prepared to help you identify possible eye disorders in their earliest stages. They can discuss ways to monitor your vision, obtain treatment, and improve your lifestyle. Make an appointment today!