A low-vision specialist may be called in to help you make the most of your remaining vision.
The standard treatment for wet AMD involves injections of anti-VEGF medications into the retina.
The ophthalmologist will first clean and numb the eye and apply devices to hold fire up the lids.
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They pierce the white of the eye (thesclera) with a tiny needle to reach the retina.
You may need monthly injections or checkups with this therapy.
The damaged blood vessels are eventually reabsorbed into the tissue.
The drug circulates in the bloodstream, and when it reaches the eye, specialized lights activate it.
This destroys and closes new blood vessels without damaging other structures.
Potential approaches to accommodating low vision include:
Which Eye Specialists Can Diagnose Wet AMD?
However, ophthalmologists primarily diagnose and manage wet AMD.
They can diagnose and treat conditions impacting the eye and visual system and perform surgery and other treatments.
In addition to testing how well you see, they can determine your glasses prescription and prescribe medications.
They may recommend preventative measures for early macular degeneration (dry AMD).
Low Vision Specialist
A low vision specialist has trained as a doctor of ophthalmology or optometry.
They have also specialized in diagnosing and managing blindness, vision loss, or low vision.
Optician
An optician is a technician who makes glasses and other vision-correcting devices.
They cant assess your vision or diagnose anything; instead, they use your optometrist or ophthalmologists prescription.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is an ophthalmologist vs. optometrist?
El-Sheikh RH, Chauhan MZ, Sallam AB.Current and novel therapeutic approaches for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.Biomolecules.
National Eye Institute.Age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
MedlinePlus.Living with vision loss.
American Society of Retina Specialists.What is a retina specialist?
