A number ofrisk factorsare associated with dry macular degeneration, including smoking and a family history of the condition.
If you have this condition, it’s important that you follow recommendations to avoid deterioration of your vision.
Dry Macular Degeneration Symptoms
You might not notice any symptoms of dry macular degeneration.
Verywell
As the condition advances, you’ve got the option to develop subtle vision loss.
These advanced eye conditions aren’t necessarily associated with each other and they dont cause each other.
you’ve got the option to develop both geographic atrophy and wet macular degeneration.
Dry macular degeneration is a progressive process.
Themaculais a structure in the eye that detects light.
It is the central area of theretina, located at the back of the eyeball.
As dry macular degeneration develops, this structure becomes thin as the cells atrophy (shrink and die).
Over time, the macula begins to lose its function, resulting in vision loss.
Excess oxidation, however, causes damage.
Genetics
There is a hereditary component to dry macular degeneration.
The genetics of this condition are believed to be related to genes that promote inflammation.
Drusen can contribute to vision loss.
Age related vision loss can cause headaches, difficulty reading, and may lead to accidents while driving.
Your diagnostic tests may include a vision examination and examination of your eyes, including your macula.
Vision and Eye Test
A standardeye examinationincludes observation of your eyes and a vision examination.
Your central vision and peripheral (side) vision will be tested as well.
With dry macular degeneration, you may have diminished visual acuity and color vision in your central vision.
Your peripheral vision shouldnt be affected, especially at the early stages.
Your eyes and eye movements should appear normal.
Drusen might be detected with this test as well.
You might have adilated eye exam.
This helps with the visualization of your macula with fundoscopic examination and other non-invasive imaging tests.
There is no medical or surgical treatment that can reverse or stop the progression of dry macular degeneration.
AREDS/AREDS2 Vitamins
TheAREDS and AREDS2 vitamin formulationshave been shown to slow dry AMD progression.
Both are injected into the eye.
Oracea
Oracea is a pill that is taken orally.
It contains doxycycline, an antibiotic that has been in use for many years.
It is being tested as a potential treatment for dry macular degeneration.
It is believed to have potential anti-inflammatory action that may help in treating dry macular degeneration.
Stem Cells
Stem cell transplant is being studied as a possible way to surgically replace macular cells.
Metformin
Metformin is a commonly used treatment for diabetes.
It is a pill taken by mouth.
It is also being tested as a potential treatment for dry macular degeneration.
Preliminary research on its effects in dry macular degeneration has been promising.
It is injected into the eye, and it may have an effect in reducing oxidative damage.
D609
D609 is a new substance that is being investigated as a possible injectable therapy.
It has been suggested that it may work as an antioxidant, preventing damage and degeneration of the macula.
Treatment of Advanced Complications
There are medications and interventional procedures used for treating wet macular degeneration.
These treatments do not reverse the conditions but may prevent progression.
Eylea (aflibercept), for example, is an injectable treatment approved for treatment of wet macular degeneration.
A Word From Verywell
Dry macular degeneration is the most common pop in of macular degeneration.
If you are diagnosed with dry macular degeneration, you could take some steps to prevent its progression.
It is also important to carefully manage other issues that contribute to vision loss, includingdiabetes.
Your eye health has a major impact on your quality of life.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Understanding macular degeneration.
2024 Feb 29. doi:10.1097/ICU.0000000000001046
American Academy of Ophthalmology.New treatments for age-related macular degeneration.
2020;5(1):20. doi:10.1038/s41392-020-0122-1
