medically reviewed by Delu Song, MD, PhD, MTR
Macular degeneration treatment becomes especially important when straight lines begin to look wavy, faces appear less distinct, or reading starts to feel harder than it once did. Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. As the condition progresses, it can interfere with driving, recognizing faces, reading, and other daily activities.
The right treatment depends on whether AMD is dry or wet, how far it has progressed, and whether active retinal changes appear on imaging. At Aiello Eye Institute, retina specialist Dr. Delu Song evaluates macular degeneration and helps patients in Yuma understand which treatment, monitoring plan, or lifestyle steps may best support their vision.
Early diagnosis cannot reverse every change caused by AMD, but timely care may help slow progression, reduce the risk of further vision loss, and preserve useful central vision for as long as possible. This guide explains the available macular degeneration treatment options and what patients can expect from ongoing retinal care.
Understanding Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a progressive eye disease that affects the macula, or the central portion of the eye’s retina. Depending on the subtype, you may notice gradual symptoms or experience sudden central vision loss.
Because macular degeneration can progress differently from one patient to the next, timely care should reflect both the type of AMD and the individual’s vision needs. Delu Song, MD, explains:
“Early, personalized intervention for macular degeneration, whether managing dry AMD through nutrition or treating wet AMD with advanced therapies, is critical for stabilizing and protecting central vision.”
General Macular Degeneration Symptoms
If you’re in the early stages of AMD, you may not notice any symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, your central vision will worsen, and you may have trouble seeing objects in front of you. Your peripheral vision will be normal. Some other common symptoms include:
- Blurry vision
- Trouble seeing in dim lighting
- Not being able to see colors correctly
- Wavy or curvy lines that you know should be straight
- Dark spots or blank areas in your vision
An AMD diagnosis may come as a surprise, and many patients report anxiety and depression when living with this condition. For older adults accustomed to living independently, the inability to complete tasks and to rely on their vision can be frustrating and disheartening. Fortunately, there are many treatment options for macular degeneration.
Dry AMD
In dry AMD, deposits of a protein substance called “drusen” harm the macula over time. This subtype is often treated with lifestyle changes and supplements. Patients with a rarer, more advanced form of dry AMD called geographic atrophy may take advantage of newer treatments that aim to slow this type’s progression. Dry AMD accounts for around 90% of AMD diagnoses.
Wet AMD
Wet AMD is less common, accounting for around 10% of diagnosed cases, but it’s often more treatable than the dry subtype. It involves the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye that cause bleeding and swelling in the retina. Depending on the severity of the condition, wet AMD treatment may include injections of a medication that can prevent or reverse further vision loss.
AMD is typically diagnosed in adults who are over 50 — which is why it’s often given the “age-related” designator — but it can occur in younger adults, as well. If you’re having any symptoms related to AMD, regardless of your age, it’s important to seek the opinion of a qualified ophthalmologist.
Treatment Options for Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration treatment options for AMD depend on the stage of progression, the type of AMD you have, and your overall health. Your ophthalmologist may suggest a conservative approach that includes lifestyle changes and nutrient supplementation, or they may encourage you to begin injections that slow the disease process.
At Aiello Eye Institute, Dr. Delu Song evaluates and treats macular degeneration as part of his work in retina and vitreous surgery. He helps patients understand whether changes involve dry AMD, wet AMD, or another retinal condition, then recommends care based on retinal imaging, disease activity, vision changes, and overall eye health.
Lifestyle Changes and Early-Stage Management
- Dietary changes: Focus on eating healthy, whole foods such as lean meats, omega-3-rich fish, colorful berries rich in antioxidants, leafy green vegetables, and healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, and avocado. Maintaining a healthy eating pattern can help reduce inflammation and support your body’s overall health.
- Vision aids: Your doctor may suggest accessibility aids for people with low vision. These items, such as large-print books, audio options for listening instead of reading, and magnifiers, can make life with AMD significantly easier.
- Healthy habits: If you smoke cigarettes, vape, or drink alcohol excessively, now is the time to quit. An unhealthy lifestyle can increase inflammation and increase disease progression.
Medications
If lifestyle changes don’t work well, your ophthalmologist may suggest certain medications and supplements for AMD:
- Anti-VEGF injections: This common treatment uses an injectable medication to slow the growth of abnormal blood vessels that are causing swelling and bleeding. For those with wet AMD, this treatment can be life-changing. Typically, patients return for eye injections for macular degeneration every month. Still, some patients are weaned from their treatment regimen after two years and continue to notice a slower progression of symptoms.
- AREDS supplements: Multivitamin supplements containing targeted vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins C and E, copper, zinc, zeaxanthin, and lutein, may help slow symptom progression. These supplements are typically used for dry AMD, though some people with wet AMD may opt to take them for their overall eye health, as well.
Laser Therapy
Some patients require more intensive treatment for macular degeneration, such as laser photocoagulation therapy. While this is a relatively simple procedure, it’s only appropriate for wet AMD, and your doctor may not recommend surgery if your abnormal blood vessels are spread out across the macula or your symptoms are still very mild.
During laser photocoagulation, the ophthalmologist administers an anesthetic eyedrop and uses a small lens to focus the laser on any abnormal or leaking blood vessels affecting the macula. Burning the extra vessels effectively seals them off, preventing fluid from leaking into the macula and reducing troubling visual symptoms.
Surgical Options
Surgery typically isn’t a first-line consideration for either subtype of AMD. For wet AMD, the laser surgery mentioned in the previous point is typically the most helpful.
For dry AMD with advanced geographic atrophy, there is a type of surgery that involves removing the eye’s lens and implanting a tiny telescope lens in its place. This lens can act as a magnifier, enhancing and enlarging images in the patient’s central vision. Often, this type of surgery is seen as a last resort. Still, it can be very helpful for patients suffering from poor quality of life and disability due to geographic atrophy.
Importance of Regular Eye Exams
At this point, there is no cure for AMD, but targeted treatments can slow its progression. Regular comprehensive eye exams accomplish much more than checking your vision: Your doctor may screen you for AMD, rule out glaucoma and cataracts, spot signs of developing diabetes, and alert you to numerous other conditions that can affect your eyes.
These appointments become increasingly important with age because AMD may begin before noticeable vision changes develop. When an exam reveals possible macular damage, a retina specialist such as Dr. Delu Song can use detailed retinal imaging to evaluate the condition, establish a baseline, and determine whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate. Early detection may provide more opportunities to slow progression and protect useful vision.
Personalized Macular Degeneration Treatment Plans at Aiello Eye Institute
Macular degeneration does not affect every patient in the same way. Dr. Delu Song provides specialized retinal care at Aiello Eye Institute for patients with macular degeneration and other vitreoretinal conditions. His approach considers the type and stage of AMD, retinal imaging findings, changes in vision, overall health, and the patient’s daily needs.
Depending on the diagnosis, a personalized plan may include observation, nutritional guidance, home monitoring, retinal injections, or another appropriate treatment. Dr. Song also helps patients understand what their results mean and why a particular follow-up schedule or treatment approach may be recommended.
Dr. Song currently provides retina care through Aiello Eye Institute’s Yuma and Foothills offices.
Protect Your Vision Today
Though macular degeneration can cause central distortion and vision loss, early detection and appropriate care may help slow its progression. A retinal evaluation with Dr. Delu Song can clarify whether your symptoms are due to dry AMD, wet AMD, or another macular condition and identify the most appropriate next step.
If you’re ready to control your AMD symptoms, call Aiello Eye Institute in Yuma, AZ, to schedule your appointment. You can also use our convenient online form to contact us. We look forward to helping you preserve your vision and return to living the life you love.