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Understanding Macular Degeneration Surgery: Your Comprehensive Guide
Macular degeneration is a progressive eye disease that impacts the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. As the condition worsens, individuals may experience blurry or distorted vision, making everyday tasks—such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces—increasingly difficult. Although there is no cure for macular degeneration, various surgical and non-surgical treatments are available to help slow progression and preserve remaining vision.
One treatment option for wet macular degeneration is laser surgery, a procedure that helps stabilize retinal damage and prevent further vision loss. However, not all patients are candidates for laser treatment, and the best approach depends on the severity and type of macular degeneration. Understanding your treatment options is essential for making informed decisions about your eye health.
Keep reading The EyeDoctors Optometrists’ guide to learn more about macular degeneration, available treatments, and what to expect if laser surgery is recommended as part of your care plan.
The Two Types of Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a progressive eye disease that develops due to age-related changes in the macula, the area of the retina responsible for central vision. While the condition may worsen gradually, it can eventually interfere with everyday tasks, including reading, driving, and recognizing faces.
There are two primary forms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD): dry AMD and wet AMD. Understanding the differences between these types is essential for early diagnosis, treatment, and vision preservation.
Dry AMD
Approximately 80% of macular degeneration cases are the dry form¹. This occurs when the macula gradually thins, leading to the accumulation of drusen, small yellow protein deposits that interfere with visual processing. Over time, blurry or distorted central vision can develop, making daily activities more challenging.
Although dry AMD progresses more slowly than wet AMD, it can still lead to significant vision loss over time. While there is no cure, eye doctors often recommend lifestyle modifications and nutritional supplements containing antioxidants, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which have been shown to help slow progression and support long-term macular health.
Wet AMD
Wet AMD is less common but far more aggressive. This form of the disease occurs when abnormal blood vessels develop beneath the retina. These fragile vessels can leak blood and other fluids, leading to scarring and permanent damage to the macula.
As wet AMD progresses, individuals may experience rapid central vision loss. Because this condition can worsen quickly, early detection through routine eye exams is critical. If diagnosed early, anti-VEGF injections and laser treatments can help slow blood vessel growth, reduce fluid leakage, and prevent further vision deterioration.
Treatment Options for Macular Degeneration
The key to preserving vision with macular degeneration is early detection and prompt treatment. Since the treatment approach differs for dry and wet AMD, it’s important to schedule an eye exam immediately if you notice blurriness, distortion, or dark spots in your central vision. At The EyeDoctors Optometrists, our specialists will assess your condition and recommend the most effective course of action to slow progression and protect your eyesight.
Wet AMD
Wet AMD tends to progress more rapidly than dry AMD, but various treatments are available to help slow its advancement and prevent severe vision loss. These include:
Anti-VEGF Injections: Medications such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs² block abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the retina. These injections help reduce fluid leakage and stabilize vision.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): A two-step treatment that involves injecting a light-sensitive medication into the bloodstream, followed by a low-energy laser treatment to target and eliminate abnormal blood vessels.
Laser Photocoagulation: A focused laser procedure³ that seals leaking blood vessels, preventing further macular damage and reducing the risk of vision loss.
Dry AMD
While dry AMD has no cure, research shows that certain nutritional supplements may help slow its progression. These typically contain antioxidants, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin, all of which play a crucial role in macular health.
In addition to supplements, lifestyle choices can also help manage dry AMD. Following a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, and protecting your eyes from UV exposure are all steps that may reduce the risk of worsening vision loss.
Macular Degeneration Surgery
Laser photocoagulation surgery is a treatment option for wet macular degeneration, designed to slow disease progression and help prevent severe vision loss. While this procedure cannot restore lost vision, it works by sealing off abnormal blood vessels to minimize further damage. However, because laser treatment can cause some scarring, it may result in blind spots in your vision. Your The EyeDoctors Optometrists provider will evaluate whether macular degeneration surgery is the right option for you, depending on the severity and location of abnormal blood vessel growth. This treatment is generally most effective when the abnormal blood vessels are clustered together, rather than spread throughout the retina.
Preparing for Surgery
Before proceeding with laser photocoagulation, your eye doctor will discuss all available treatment options. Because surgery carries some risks, such as additional vision loss, many patients first attempt anti-VEGF injections or other non-surgical treatments before considering surgery.
If you and your doctor determine that surgery is the best option, there is minimal preparation required. Your eyes will be dilated with special drops before the procedure, and because you may experience temporary blurred vision, you should arrange for someone to drive you home.
During Surgery
When you arrive for your procedure, you will be seated comfortably while your doctor dilates your pupils and applies numbing drops or local anesthesia to ensure comfort.
Once the procedure begins, you will rest your chin on a support, and your doctor will place a specialized lens in front of your eye to help focus the laser. You will be asked to look straight ahead or focus on a designated light.
A controlled laser will then be directed at the abnormal blood vessels, sealing them off to prevent further leakage. Each pulse of the laser will create a brief flash of light, and the total number of pulses used will depend on the extent of abnormal vessel growth. The entire procedure is quick and typically lasts about 30 minutes.
Recovering from Macular Degeneration Surgery
After the procedure, your doctor may cover your eye with a patch or bandage. Your pupils will remain dilated for several hours, and you may experience temporary blurred vision or floaters, which should gradually improve.
Your doctor will provide post-operative care instructions, including how long to keep your eye covered, what medications you can take for discomfort, and when to return for follow-up visits. It’s important to remember that laser photocoagulation does not cure macular degeneration, nor can it restore lost vision. However, by sealing off leaking blood vessels, this procedure helps slow disease progression and preserve as much central vision as possible.
If you are experiencing symptoms of wet AMD, scheduling an evaluation at The EyeDoctors Optometrists can help determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.
Explore Your Macular Degeneration Surgery Options at The EyeDoctors Optometrists
Think you may need macular degeneration surgery? Find a The EyeDoctors Optometrists location near you to schedule an appointment. Our team of highly trained eye care professionals provide comprehensive eye care including routine eye exams, preventative care, and treatment.