Treatment for Dry Macular Degeneration

Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a type of progressive eye disease that affects the light-sensitive cells in the area of your eyes responsible for vision known as the macula break down. Although dry age-related macular degeneration does not cause complete blindness, it decreases vision, which can affect your quality of life.

Significance

• Dry macular degeneration can only be treated early in the condition. Once the disease progresses to advanced stages, there is no possible treatment.

Function

• The aim of treatment for dry macular degeneration is to slow the progression of the disease. There is no cure for dry macular degeneration.

Identification

• There is no surgery or prescription medication that is effective in treating dry macular degeneration.Vitamin and mineral supplements are the most common form of treatment for dry macular degeneration.

Expert Insight

• A 2001 study conducted by the National Eye Institute determined that a combination of 500 mg of Vitamin C, 400 IUs of vitamin E, 15 mg of beta carotene, 80 mg of zinc, and 2 mg of copper taken each day is effective at slowing the progression of dry macular degeneration.

Prevention

• Not smoking and losing weight are helpful. Also, eating a healthy diet with green, leafy vegetables decreases your risk for developing dry macular degeneration and slows the progression of the disease. Regular exercise and maintaining normal blood pressure levels is also important for patients with dry macular degeneration.