macular degeneration treatment – Wet Age Related Macular Degeneration Treatment
Wet AMD is called wet because of its new and leaky blood vessels that grow in the choroid layer of the retina. The goal of most wet macular degeneration treatments is to stop any further bleeding in the macular. This is so important because when these immature blood vessels leak, they permanently damage the photoreceptor cells.
Can wet macular degeneration be reversed with any of these treatments? Not usually. Again the goal is to stop or slow the progression of this disease.
Here are the treatment options for wet AMD.
CONVENTIONAL THERAPY
1. Visudyne or Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
PDT uses a laser after a person has been injected with a light-sensitive medicine called verteporfin (Visudyne). It works by destroying abnormal blood vessels in the retina and may help slow the progression of wet macular degeneration.
2. Anti-VEGF Treatments
Anti-VEGF drugs block VEGF – vascular endothelial growth factor. This factor promotes the development of the leaky, immature blood vessels.
So the anti-VEGF inhibits the growth of new blood vessels. You may also see these medications called anti-angiogenic. They are given by injections directly into the eye.
Macugen, Lucentis and Avastin are the three anti-VEGF therapies available at this time.
3. Macular Degeneration Surgery
Macular degeneration surgery does not cure macular degeneration nor does it necessarily restore lost vision. The main purpose is to prevent further loss of your straight ahead or central vision. Macular degeneration surgery can sometimes be a decision you will have to make very quickly – depending on your situation. Photocoagulation laser surgery or macular translocation surgery are the two types of surgery.
ALTERNATIVE THERAPY
1. Acupuncture for Macular Degeneration
Acupuncture is a method of using fine needles to stimulate invisible lines of energy or Qi (pronounced “chee”) running beneath the surface of the skin. The acupuncturist inserts needles into particular points on the energy channels to correct the flow of Qi and so affect change in a part or function of the body.
2. Microcurrent Stimulation
Microcurrent stimulation delivers low-intensity electricity to the eye area with the idea that it will improve circulation to the retina providing it with vital nutrients and assisting in the removal of harmful waste products.
MACULAR DEGENERATION CLINICAL TRIALS
All the studies for wet AMD can be found in one place – at the National Institute of Health’s website (www.clinicaltrials.gov). There are several exciting studies going on like combining Lucentis injections with radiation or comparing the effectiveness of Lucentis to Avastin.
To find out more about these wet macular degeneration treatment options go to , http://WebRN-MacularDegenration.com/wet-macular-degeneration-treatment.html.
Leslie Degner, RN,BSN
Better Health For Better Vision
http://www.WebRN-MacularDegeneration.com
How many age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) cases are reported each year in California.?
Please provide a source for your answer.
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