Can Macular Degeneration Be Stopped?

If you have been diagnosed with macular degeneration, a progressive eye condition, one of the first questions you might ask your ophthalmologist is whether it can be stopped. While there is no way to stop macular degeneration, there are steps you can take to slow its progression.

When facing a macular degeneration diagnosis, researching the condition, including its symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options, can help ease your anxiety. Keep reading to learn more about macular degeneration and what you can do to protect the quality of your vision.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration, is a progressive eye condition caused by damage to the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. In America, it is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness for people 65 years and older.

The most common type of the condition is dry macular degeneration. This type occurs when tiny deposits of eye proteins and fats, called drusen, collect under the macula.

As drusen builds up, they damage macular cells, causing them to deteriorate and die off. As the condition worsens, it leads to the progressive impairment of central vision and eventually to blindness.

Dry macular degeneration typically develops slowly, and it can take many years for its symptoms to become noticeable. It is often diagnosed at a comprehensive eye exam long before central vision is affected.

A less common, but more serious type of the condition is wet macular degeneration, which is also known as “late age-related macular degeneration.” This type of macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels develop under the macula.

The sudden onset of wet macular degeneration can cause immediate and severe vision loss that is often permanent. In its most advanced stages, dry macular degeneration can turn into wet macular degeneration.

What are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?

The most apparent symptom of macular degeneration is impaired central vision. Because the condition usually develops slowly, a person may experience the following symptoms long before they notice the impairment or loss of central vision:

• Difficulty seeing in low-light environments, such as a dimly-lit restaurant, movie theatres, or at dusk when outside
• Blurry vision that is not caused by another eye condition, such as presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) or changes in eye prescription
• Poor night vision
• Distorted vision, including seeing straight lines as bent or wavy
• Changes in color perception, or difficulties in differentiating between shades of the same color
• Difficulty recognizing faces
• Sudden appearance of dark or empty spots in central vision (usually a symptom of wet macular degeneration)

Like many medical conditions, early diagnosis of macular degeneration often leads to more effective treatment, so if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you should have your eyes examined by your ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

What are the Risk Factors for Macular Degeneration?

While researchers have yet to determine the cause of macular degeneration, certain risk factors can increase a person's likelihood of developing the condition. These risk factors include:

• Age: Macular degeneration is most common in people over the age of 60.
• Family History: People are up to six times more likely to develop the condition if they have a close relative with macular degeneration.
• Smoking: Smokers are up to four times more likely to develop the condition than non-smokers.
• Diet: Individuals who neglect antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables and overconsume processed foods high in saturated fats are at a higher risk for macular degeneration. 
• Underlying Health Conditions: Underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, can affect eye health and increase the risk of macular degeneration.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop macular degeneration, though that may be because they often live longer than men.

What are the Treatments for Macular Degeneration?

While research for a cure is ongoing, there is currently no way to stop macular degeneration. The goal of treatments for the condition focuses on preserving existing vision and preventing future vision loss.

The current treatments for macular degeneration include:

• Nutritional Supplements: High-dose antioxidant nutritional supplements containing a combination of vitamin C, Vitamin E, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin can protect the retina from damaging free radicals.
• Prescription Medications: Medications, such as anti-VEGF drugs, complement inhibitors, and steroids, can be used to block the growth of abnormal blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and slow damage to macular cells.
• Laser Therapy:  High-intensity laser beams are used to seal off leaking blood vessels and prevent a buildup of intraocular pressure, which can further damage the macula and other structures within the eye.
• Photodynamic Therapy: This treatment utilizes a combination of light-sensitive medication and a “cold” laser to create blood clots that close leaking blood vessels.

Can Macular Degeneration Be Prevented?

Because the actual cause of macular degeneration remains unknown, there is no proven way to prevent the condition. However, there are some steps you can take to promote overall eye health. 

These include incorporating lots of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables into your diet, avoiding smoking or quitting if you currently smoke, and maintaining a healthy weight for your body type. It's also important to manage chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, protect your eyes from UV light by wearing sunglasses when outdoors, and schedule regular comprehensive eye exams to monitor your vision and detect any changes early.

Unfortunately, there is no way to stop macular degeneration, but with early diagnosis and treatment, you may be able to limit vision loss and prevent blindness. 

If you're experiencing any changes in your vision or are concerned about your risk for macular degeneration, schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Premier Eye Care of Eastern Idaho in Idaho Falls, ID, today to protect your sight for years to come.