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A Complete Guide to Macular Degeneration Surgery
Macular degeneration is a progressive eye disease that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for detailed, central vision. As the condition advances, people may experience blurred or distorted vision, making tasks like reading, driving, and recognizing faces increasingly difficult. While there is no cure for macular degeneration, several surgical and non-surgical treatments can help slow its progression and preserve remaining vision.
One potential treatment for wet macular degeneration is laser surgery, a procedure designed to stabilize retinal damage and help prevent further vision loss. However, not all patients require or benefit from laser treatment, and the best approach depends on the severity and type of macular degeneration present. Understanding your treatment options is key to making informed decisions about your eye health. Keep reading eyecarecenter’s guide to learn more about macular degeneration, available treatments, and what to expect if laser surgery is recommended as part of your care plan.
The Different Types of Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a progressive eye disease caused by age-related changes in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. While the condition typically worsens gradually, it can eventually interfere with reading, driving, and recognizing faces.
There are two primary types of macular degeneration: dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD) and wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). Understanding these differences is crucial for early diagnosis, treatment, and vision preservation.
Dry AMD
Approximately 80% of people with macular degeneration have the dry form¹. This condition occurs when the macula slowly thins over time, leading to the buildup of drusen, small yellowish protein deposits that disrupt normal vision processing. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience blurry or distorted central vision, making daily activities more difficult.
Although dry AMD progresses more slowly than wet AMD, it can still lead to significant vision loss over time. While no cure currently exists, lifestyle adjustments and nutritional supplements containing antioxidants, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin may help slow its progression and support long-term macular health.
Wet AMD
Wet AMD is less common but much more severe. This condition develops when abnormal blood vessels form beneath the retina. These blood vessels are fragile and prone to leaking blood and other fluids, which can cause scarring and permanent macular damage.
As wet AMD progresses, individuals may experience rapid vision loss, particularly in their central field of vision. Because this form of the disease can worsen quickly, early detection through routine eye exams is essential. When diagnosed early, anti-VEGF injections and laser therapy may help slow blood vessel growth, reduce fluid leakage, and prevent further vision deterioration.
Treatment Options for Macular Degeneration
Preserving your vision with macular degeneration starts with early detection and timely intervention. Since treatment approaches vary depending on whether you have dry or wet AMD, it’s essential to schedule an eye exam as soon as possible if you experience blurriness, distortion, or dark spots in your central vision. At eyecarecenter, our eye doctors will assess your condition and recommend the most effective treatment plan to slow progression and protect your eyesight.
Wet AMD
Wet AMD progresses more rapidly than dry AMD, but several medical treatments are available to slow its advancement and help prevent severe vision loss. These include:
Anti-VEGF Injections: Medications such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs² work by blocking abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina. These injections help reduce fluid leakage and stabilize vision.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): A two-step procedure that involves injecting a light-sensitive medication into the bloodstream, followed by a low-energy laser treatment to target and destroy abnormal blood vessels.
Laser Photocoagulation: A focused laser procedure³ used to seal off leaking blood vessels and minimize further macular damage.
Dry AMD
Although dry AMD has no cure, research suggests that specific nutritional supplements can help slow its progression. These supplements typically contain antioxidants, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin, all of which play a role in maintaining macular health.
Along with supplementation, healthy lifestyle choices can also help manage dry AMD. Eating a nutrient-rich diet, avoiding smoking, and protecting your eyes from UV exposure are key habits that may reduce the risk of worsening vision loss.
Macular Degeneration Surgery at eyecarecenter
Laser photocoagulation surgery is a treatment option for wet macular degeneration, designed to slow disease progression and help prevent severe vision loss. While this procedure cannot restore lost vision, it can seal off abnormal blood vessels to minimize further damage. However, because it can cause some scarring, it may introduce blind spots in your vision. Your eyecarecenter eye doctor will evaluate whether macular degeneration surgery is the right choice for you, depending on the severity and location of abnormal blood vessel growth. This treatment is most effective when abnormal blood vessels are clustered together, rather than spread throughout the retina.
Preparing for Surgery
Before undergoing laser photocoagulation, your eye doctor will discuss alternative treatment options. Because surgery carries some risks, such as potential additional vision loss, many patients first try medication treatments like anti-VEGF injections before considering surgery.
If you and your doctor decide that surgery is the best option, little preparation is required. Your eyes will be dilated with special drops before the procedure. Since you may experience temporary blurred vision, you should arrange for someone to drive you home.
During Surgery
When you arrive for your procedure, you will be seated comfortably while your doctor begins by dilating your pupils and applying numbing drops or local anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
Once the procedure begins, you will rest your chin on a support, and your doctor will place a specialized lens in front of your eye to help focus the laser. You will be asked to look straight ahead or focus on a designated light.
A controlled laser will then be directed at the abnormal blood vessels, sealing them off to prevent further leakage. Each pulse of the laser will create a brief flash of light, and the total number of pulses used will depend on the extent of abnormal vessel growth. The entire procedure is quick and typically lasts about 30 minutes.
Recovering from Macular Degeneration Surgery
After the surgery, your doctor may cover your eye with a patch or bandage. Your pupils will remain dilated for several hours, and you may experience temporary blurred vision or floaters, which should gradually improve.
Your doctor will provide you with specific post-operative care instructions, including how long to keep your eye covered, what medications you can take for discomfort, and when to return for follow-up visits. It’s important to remember that laser photocoagulation does not cure macular degeneration, nor can it restore vision already lost. However, by sealing off leaking blood vessels, this procedure can slow disease progression and help preserve as much central vision as possible.
If you are experiencing symptoms of wet AMD, scheduling an evaluation at eyecarecenter can help determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.
Explore Your Macular Degeneration Surgery Options at eyecarecenter
Think you may need macular degeneration surgery? Find an eyecarecenter location near you to schedule an appointment. Our team of highly trained eye care professionals provide comprehensive eye care including routine eye exams, preventative care, and treatment.