Question Title: Any treatments available?

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Cindy,

The treatment of macular degeneration depends upon the type of macular degeneration a person has. Macular degeneration is an age-related damage to the retina. It becomes more common the older we get.

The are two major types of macular degeneration: Wet macular degeneration (exudative) and Dry macular degeneration (nonexudative). Dry macular degeneration is the most common form. Wet macular degeneration causes the most damage to eyesight.

Macular degeneration usually starts as the dry form. This can be completely symptom free or can cause gradual loss of vision. This can remain stable or slowly progress. There is no treatment that is very effective for dry macular degeneration. It is very important that anyone with dry macular degeneration be followed by his or her ophthalmologist to detect any early change to wet macular degeneration. The symptoms of wet macular degeneration can be sudden decreasing vision or distortions of objects (straight lines may appear curved).

Wet macular degeneration causes swelling of the retina or bleeding into the retina. This can cause significant reduction in vision. Wet macular degeneration may be treated with laser surgery or regular surgery. The best chance for stabilizing vision occurs when wet macular degeneration is detected early.

More individualized information is available through consultation at the Henry Ford Hospital Eye Care Services.

This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.

Sincerely,

HFHS M.D.-NI

*Keyword: macular degeneration