Back toUpdated on October 23, 2024
Though Wet AMD is not curable, symptoms can be reduced and the disease progression can be slowed down.
Transcript
Hey, Dr. Zhu. Are there any steps I can take to help manage my wet macular degeneration symptoms?
[MUSIC PLAYING] Neovascular age-related macular degeneration,
also known as wet AMD, is a chronic eye disorder that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible
for central vision. Symptoms for wet AMD can occur suddenly and worsen quickly.
You may experience reduced central vision in one or both of your eyes, a blurry or blind spot in vision,
or increased difficulty in adapting to low light settings. Though wet AMD is not curable, symptoms can be reduced,
and the disease progression can be slowed down. Management options include working with a low vision rehabilitation specialist that
can help you adapt to any vision changes, medications that can be injected into the affected eyes
by a medical professional, photodynamic therapy, or PDT, which is a procedure your eye health care
provider can perform to rid the eye of extra blood vessels. However, this treatment is uncommon and typically only
administered to those who failed what's called anti-VEGF therapy. Anti-VEGF treatment is designed to block a protein that
helps produce new blood vessels and slow the growth of blood vessels in the eye. There are also some lifestyle changes
that may help slow the progression of wet AMD. These include things like quit smoking, incorporate
more leafy greens and high protein foods into your diet, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise regularly.
If you're struggling with your wet AMD symptoms, contact your eye health care provider immediately.
The earlier wet AMD is diagnosed, the better. Talk to your health care provider to make a plan that works for you.
