How is macular degeneration tested

You may need injections every four to six weeks to maintain the beneficial effect of the medication. In some instances, you may partially recover vision as the blood vessels shrink and the fluid under the retina absorbs, allowing some vision gain. Possible risks of eye injections include conjunctival hemorrhage, increased eye pressure, infection, retinal detachment and eye inflammation. Photodynamic therapy. This procedure is very occasionally used to treat abnormal blood vessels at the center of your macula.

During photodynamic therapy, your doctor injects a drug called verteporfin Visudyne into a vein in your arm, which travels to blood vessels in your eye. Your doctor shines a focused light from a special laser to the abnormal blood vessels in your eye. This activates the drug, causing the abnormal blood vessels to close, which stops the leakage. Photodynamic therapy may improve your vision and reduce the rate of vision loss. You may need repeated treatments over time, as the treated blood vessels may reopen.

After photodynamic therapy, you'll need to avoid direct sunlight and bright lights until the drug has cleared your body, which may take a few days.

During photocoagulation therapy, your doctor uses a high-energy laser beam to seal abnormal blood vessels under the macula.

The laser causes scarring that can create a blind spot, but the procedure is used to stop the vessels from bleeding with the aim of minimizing further damage to the macula. Even with this treatment, blood vessels may regrow, requiring further treatment. Few people who have wet macular degeneration are candidates for this treatment. It generally isn't an option if you have abnormal blood vessels directly under the center of the macula.

Also, the more damaged your macula is, the lower the likelihood of success. Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. Even after receiving a diagnosis of wet macular degeneration, you can take steps that may help slow vision loss.

Choose a healthy diet. The antioxidant vitamins in fruits and vegetables contribute to eye health. Kale, spinach, broccoli, squash and other vegetables have high levels of antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which may benefit people with macular degeneration.

Foods containing high levels of zinc also may be of particular value in patients with macular degeneration. These include high-protein foods, such as beef, pork and lamb. Nonmeat sources include milk, cheese, yogurt, whole-grain cereals and whole-wheat bread. Another good choice is healthy unsaturated fats, such as olive oil. And research studies have shown that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in salmon, tuna and walnuts, may lower the risk of advanced macular degeneration.

But the same benefit is not shown from taking omega-3 supplements, such as fish oil pills. For people with intermediate or advanced disease, taking a high-dose formulation of antioxidant vitamins and minerals may help reduce the risk of vision loss. Taking supplements may be helpful, but there also are possible health risks. Ask your doctor if taking supplements is right for you.

Vision loss from macular degeneration can affect your ability to do things such as read, recognize faces and drive. This is usually only necessary if there's a possibility you'll need to start treatment quickly. You should be referred within a day. If you're diagnosed with AMD, the specialist will talk to you about what it is, what type you have and what the treatment options are. If you're unsure about something later, write down any questions you have and make another appointment to go over them.

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