Wet macular degeneration is a condition that affects the eyes and can lead to vision loss. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels leak fluid into the retina, damaging the macula, which is responsible for central vision. Someone with wet macular degeneration may experience visual distortions, have reduced central vision, and have difficulty adjusting to low-light situations.
Losing your central vision is a big deal. It can make daily activities, like reading and driving, very difficult. Treatment for wet macular degeneration is focused on slowing the progression of the disorder and preserving your existing vision. Supplements may be part of your treatment program.
Below are some of the medications and supplements used in the treatment of wet macular degeneration.
Anti-VEGF Medication
The most commonly used treatment for wet macular degeneration is anti-VEGF therapy, short for vascular endothelial growth factor. This type of medication works by blocking VEGF proteins from forming new blood vessels in the eyes, which cause leakage and swelling associated with this condition. Anti-VEGF therapies are injected directly into the back of the eye using a very thin needle, so they don’t enter other parts of your body where they could be harmful. These injections are typically administered once a month. Examples of anti-VEGF medication include Avastin®, Lucentis®, and Eylea®.
Eye Vitamins
Eyepromise supplements are specifically designed to help support the health of those with wet macular degeneration. There are different types of supplements to choose from:Eyepromise Restore, EyePromise Zeaxanthin, and EyePromise AREDS 2 Plus.
EyePromise Restore
EyePromise Restore is a dietary supplement designed to help support and maintain healthy vision in people with wet macular degeneration. It contains a combination of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other nutrients that have been clinically proven to reduce the risk of progression from dry AMD to wet AMD. Studies suggest that EyePromise Restore can slow down or even stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels caused by wet macular degeneration. The product also helps improve visual acuity in those who already have early signs of this condition.
The main active ingredients found in EyePromise Restore are lutein and zeaxanthin, both carotenoids that are naturally found in dark green leafy vegetables that protect against eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA provide further protection for the eyes, while vitamin E acts as an antioxidant helping protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
EyePromise Zeaxanthin
EyePromise Zeaxanthin contains high levels of zeaxanthin, an important carotenoid found in many fruits and vegetables, which helps protect against oxidative damage to the eye’s sensitive cells and tissues. Studies have shown that taking EyePromise Zeaxanthin can significantly reduce the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) symptoms such as blurred vision, distorted vision, and difficulty reading or recognizing faces.
In addition to its antioxidant benefits for AMD patients‚ EyePromise also offers other potential advantages, such as:
- Improved night driving performance
- Increased visual acuity
- Enhanced contrast sensitivity and color perception
- Reduced glare recovery time after exposure to bright light sources
- Decreased fatigue while using a computer or other digital devices over long periods of time
- Protection from blue light radiation emitted by screens
- Slowed down cataract formation
EyePromise AREDS 2 Plus
EyePromise AREDS 2 Plus is a nutritional supplement designed to help protect against the progression of wet macular degeneration. It contains all the ingredients from the original Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), plus additional nutrients that have been clinically proven to provide extra protection for those with AMD.
The supplement includes lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), zinc, copper, Vitamin C, and E, as well as other key vitamins and minerals. These nutrients work together to reduce inflammation in the eyes, while also providing antioxidant protection against further damage caused by free radicals. In addition to these benefits, it can also help improve visual acuity by increasing blood flow through the retina.
The main purpose of this product is to slow down or stop further advancement of wet macular degeneration, while simultaneously helping maintain existing sight levels. Many studies have shown its effectiveness at reducing risk factors associated with AMD, such as decreasing yellow deposits on the retinal tissue, preventing geographic atrophy spots from forming, improving contrast sensitivity, and slowing down pigment epithelial layer thinning.
Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment in Washington, MO
The board-certified ophthalmologists at Advanced Sight Center treat patients with wet macular degeneration through monthly injections of anti-VEGF medication and eye supplements. Your diet can also help with slowing down the progression of the disorder, which our doctors will also provide you with guidance on.
Our eye doctors will provide you with the support you need to manage wet macular degeneration. Call us today at (636) 239-1650 to schedule your appointment, or use our online request form to schedule an appointment.