Can Macular Degeneration Be Reversed?

Imagine picking up your favorite book only to find you can’t read the words or looking into the eyes of a family member and struggling to see their face clearly. This is the reality for many people living with macular degeneration, a common eye condition that primarily affects older adults. It’s a leading cause of vision loss in those over 50, impacting how we see the world in many ways. 

At Giles Eye Care, we often get asked, can macular degeneration be reversed? In this blog, we answer this question and discuss some treatment options for macular degeneration

What are the types of macular degeneration? 

Before we explore treatment options, it’s important to understand the different types of macular degeneration. There are two main types:  

  • Dry AMD: This is the most common type, affecting around 80-90% of people with the condition. It happens when the macula, which is crucial for sharp vision, starts to thin out over time. The progression is slow but can still affect daily activities. 
  • Wet AMD: Although less common, wet AMD is more severe and occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina. These can leak fluid or blood and cause rapid vision loss, making it a more urgent concern. 

Can macular degeneration be reversed? 

Currently, there is no way to reverse damage caused by macular degeneration. However, there are treatments that can help slow its progression. Here are some of the treatment options we may recommend: 

Treatments for dry AMD: 

  • Lifestyle changes: Eating a diet full of leafy greens, fish, and nuts, along with regular exercise, can support eye health. If you smoke, quitting can reduce the risk of progression. 
  • AREDS supplements: Research from the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies shows that certain vitamins and minerals can slow down the progression of dry AMD. These typically include vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin. 

Treatments for wet AMD: 

  • Anti-VEGF injections: These are medications injected directly into the eye to stop abnormal blood vessels from growing. They can help prevent further vision loss. 
  • Photodynamic therapy: This procedure uses a light-activated drug that targets and destroys abnormal blood vessels. 
  • Laser therapy: High-energy lasers can be used to target and eliminate actively growing abnormal blood vessels. 

While reversing macular degeneration isn’t a reality yet, advancements in research are bringing us closer. For now, the best defense against this disease is to schedule regular eye exams. Early detection and intervention are key, so comprehensive eye exams are crucial, especially if you’re over 50 or have a family history of the condition. 

At Giles Eye Care, we provide comprehensive eye exams in Portland to diagnose a range of eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration. If you’re diagnosed with this condition, Dr. Giles will develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs, whether that means making lifestyle changes or exploring more advanced solutions. Please give us a call today at 207-775-6533 to book an appointment.