Macular Degeneration Treatment in Hershey, PA

Macular degeneration, often called age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a progressive eye condition affecting the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision. As AMD advances, it can significantly impair vision, making everyday tasks such as reading and driving challenging. While there is currently no cure for macular degeneration, various treatment options are available to manage the condition and potentially slow its progression. Macular degeneration treatment in Hershey, PA, is a short drive from our Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania Lebanon office. Here’s an overview of macular degeneration treatment:

Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of macular degeneration in the early stages and preserve vision. These include adopting a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, such as leafy greens, fish, nuts, and fruits high in vitamins C and E. Smoking cessation, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays are also important lifestyle modifications.

Taking nutritional supplements can help. Research has shown that certain dietary supplements can benefit individuals with AMD, particularly those in the intermediate or advanced stages of the disease. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) and AREDS2 clinical trials have identified specific formulations of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which may help reduce the risk of progression to advanced AMD and vision loss.

Our doctors can prescribe low-vision aids and rehabilitation training for your eyes. For individuals with advanced AMD and significant vision loss that cannot be restored with medical or surgical treatments, low-vision aids and rehabilitation services can help maximize their remaining vision and improve their quality of life. These may include magnifying devices, specialized glasses, electronic magnifiers, and training in adaptive techniques for daily activities.

Therapies and Treatments

Anti-VEGF Therapy: Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy is a widely used treatment for neovascular or “wet” AMD, the more advanced form of the disease characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the retina. Drugs such as ranibizumab (Lucentis), aflibercept (Eylea), and bevacizumab (Avastin) are injected directly into the eye to inhibit the growth of abnormal blood vessels, reduce leakage, and improve or stabilize vision in many patients.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): Photodynamic therapy is another treatment option for wet AMD that involves injecting a light-sensitive drug called verteporfin into the bloodstream, followed by applying a special laser to activate the drug selectively in the abnormal blood vessels. PDT helps to close off leaky blood vessels and slow the progression of vision loss.

Laser Therapy: Laser therapy, specifically focal laser photocoagulation, may be used to treat certain cases of wet AMD by targeting and sealing off abnormal blood vessels that are leaking fluid and causing vision loss. However, this treatment is less commonly used today due to the risk of damaging surrounding healthy retina tissue.

Individuals with macular degeneration need regular eye examinations and follow-up appointments with their eye care providers. If you have AMD or suspect you do, give us a call today for macular degeneration treatment in Hershey, PA. Our Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania team is ready to see you as a new patient. We will monitor the progression of the disease and determine the most appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Early detection, timely intervention, and proactive management can help preserve vision and maintain independence for individuals living with macular degeneration. Call us today to schedule an appointment in our Lebanon office.