About Age-Related Macular Degeneration Surgery
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is not the inevitable end of vision. While this condition is incurable and can lead to central vision loss, you can still prevent further deterioration by undergoing laser surgery.
You may now be aware that there are two main types of AMD: dry AMD and wet AMD. Dry AMD accounts for about 80% of cases.
Doctors suggest giving medications and supplements to slow down the progression of dry AMD, while they often recommend medications and surgery to combat wet AMD. Surgical options include both laser surgery, which includes photocoagulation and photodynamic therapy, as well as retinal displacement surgery, subretinal surgery, and other types.
Benefits of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Surgery
- Slowing down the progression of wet AMD and the spread of abnormal new blood vessels.
- Reducing vision loss and alleviating the severity of wet AMD symptoms.
- Providing a good alternative to medications, including anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs.
- Does not cause pain, can be performed quickly, and requires a short recovery period.
Suitable Candidates for Age-Related Macular Degeneration Surgery
If you have wet AMD, you may be a suitable candidate for laser surgery, however, the results may vary depending on your condition. Laser photocoagulation, in particular, is often recommended for people who:
- Have wet AMD that does not respond to medications or other treatments.
- Have many leaking blood vessels in the eye, but not at the center of the macula.
Risks of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Surgery
Unfortunately, laser surgery can destroy healthy tissues along with leaking blood vessels. This is why doctors suggest this treatment to repair blood vessels that are not located at the center of vision. Laser surgery can also treat only 10-15% of wet AMD tumors. Photodynamic therapy is a better option than laser photocoagulation because it targets unhealthy blood vessels without damaging much of the surrounding tissue. Risks also include:
- Further loss of vision (often temporary).
- Recurring leakage of blood vessels.
- Light sensitivity.
