Macular Degeneration

A severe loss in visual clarity occurs in 1 to 4 out of 100 people treated with PDT. In some cases, vision partially recovers. Other side effects that may occur with PDT include: Temporary visual disturbances (abnormal vision, decreased vision,... Full Answer

PDT can lower the risk of severe vision loss by reducing the growth of and leakage from abnormal blood vessels under the retina. How well the treatment works depends on where and how the abnormal blood vessels are growing beneath the retina. For some... Full Answer

Photodynamic therapy is used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) only. And PDT can only be used for a minority of cases. By limiting the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the macula, photodynamic therapy may help prevent the... Full Answer

The verteporfin medicine used in PDT makes your skin and eyes more sensitive to light. After treatment, avoid direct sunlight for 2 to 5 days. And when you have to be outdoors, wear special dark sunglasses to protect your eyes. Your doctor will want... Full Answer

There are many risk factors that can increase your chance for macular degeneration. Being over 60, white, or female increases your risk, as well as a family history of the disease, smoking (doubles your risk), lighter-colored eyes, obesity, low nutrient... Full Answer

In age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, there is damage to the macula, which is in the center of the retina in the back part of the eye.  The damage results in a blind spot around the center of vision. Watch the animation to learn more about... Full Answer

Anti-VEGF medicines, such as bevacizumab (Avastin) and ranibizumab (Lucentis), can slow the vision loss that is linked to wet AMD. These medicines are injected into the eye. Full Answer

Add in Antioxidants:  A large-scale study at the National Eye Institute found that taking high levels of certain antioxidants and zinc can significantly reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Subjects in the study took high doses of vitamins C... Full Answer

Although age-related macular degeneration (AMD) isn't yet curable, there is an expanding array of aids for people with low vision, such as magnifying devices, adjustable lamps, and large-print versions of playing cards, keypads, books, and periodicals. A... Full Answer

The federally funded Age-Related Eye Disease Study has indicated that progression of intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) -- a vision problem that plagues older women -- may be slowed by supplements containing antioxidant vitamins and... Full Answer