Although there is currently no definitive cure, the progression of the disease can be halted. A study in the 1990s showed that certain vitamin supplements and minerals can slow dry macular degeneration. Vitamin C, lutein and zeaxanthin appear to be particularly useful; beta-carotenoids, on the other hand, have been shown to be risky. The newly formed blood vessels in wet macular degeneration can be destroyed by laser treatment. However, the patient has to accept the scarring of the retina, which in turn leads to visual disturbances. Therefore, this therapy is only possible if the vessels are not located directly in the macula.
Photodynamic therapy
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves activating a light-sensitive dye using a cold laser aimed at the eye. The dye itself enters the body as an infusion through the vein in the arm and accumulates in the newly formed, leaky blood vessels in the eye. The ophthalmologist activates the dye with the help of the laser beam so that the diseased vessels are closed. Since the light-sensitive layer of the retina was already permanently damaged before the procedure, this outpatient treatment can halt the progression of the disease, but not fundamentally improve it. In many cases, multiple treatments are necessary. After the treatment, the patient should continue to wear special protective glasses for some time, which the ophthalmologist will give the patient. Long-sleeved clothing to protect against sun and light is necessary until the remaining inactivated dye has been completely excreted after 48 hours.
Drug therapy
For a few years now, so-called anti-VEGFs have been on the market – the abbreviation for the somewhat unwieldy English term “vascular endothelial growth factor.” In German, they are also referred to as vascular growth factor inhibitors. These drugs effectively stop the progression of wet AMD and in some cases even improve vision. The preparations Lucentis and Avastin, which are currently available on the market, are injected directly into the anesthetized eye, and the treatment must be repeated several times. In Germany, however, only Lucentis, which is many times more expensive, is officially approved for the treatment of wet AMD; patients often have to pay some or all of the medical fees themselves. Patients should therefore clarify any planned therapy in advance with their health insurer.
