Questions regarding ARMD

ARMD

What is macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a condition in which the eye’s macula breaks down, causing a gradual or sudden loss of central vision.

Who’s at the most risk for macular degeneration?
If you’re over age 65, a smoker, white or have a family member with macular degeneration, you have an increased risk for macular degeneration.

Is there any way to prevent macular degeneration?
Research suggests that ultraviolet light (and possibly blue light) factors into the problem, so sunglasses could be very beneficial. Researchers think that antioxidants (vitamins A, C and E), zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin and essential fatty acids all can aid in preventing macular degeneration.

What are the signs and symptoms of macular degeneration?
Early signs include: straight lines appearing wavy, fuzzy vision, and shadowy areas in your central vision. Your eye doctor may find indicators before you have any symptoms, so regular eye exams can mean an early diagnosis.

What macular degeneration treatments are currently available?

Visudyne is used in combination with a laser in a type of treatment called photodynamic therapy. Visudyne can stabilize or even improve vision.

Photocoagulation is a type of laser surgery that can sometimes slow vision loss in patients with the wet form of macular degeneration.

Some eye doctors are using Avastin (bevacizumab), already an FDA-approved cancer drug, as an “off label” treatment for macular degeneration. Like Macugen and Lucentis, which is a form of Avastin, the drug is injected directly into the vitreous in the back of the eye.

To prevent the development and progression of ARMD is recommended to use multivitamins and antioxidants in patients over 40 years. As part of the treatment of ARMD can use laser photocoagulation or intraocular use of injected drugs such as Avastin, to achieve stabilization in selected patients and improved vision for many patients with macular degeneration related to age.