Treatment of macular degeneration

ABOUT THE TREATMENT

Macular degeneration occurs in two forms - wet and dry. Currently, we are not able to cure macular degeneration, but if detected early, we can stabilize it with appropriate treatment. In the case of a dry form we use dietary supplements containing lutein and antioxidants, and the wet form can be effectively stabilized with the application of painless injections with anti-growth factors (anti-VEGF) into the vitreous body of the eye. Their effect will limit the growth of new poor quality blood vessels in the retina. This will slow down or stop the process of bleeding into the retina and swelling. The treatment takes place with the help of an anti-growth factor bevacizumab (Avastin), ranibizumab (Lucentis), or aflibercept (Eylea).

BEFORE THE SURGERY

The doctor will assess the patient's suitability for the surgery following the evaluation of the medical examination.

THE COURSE OF THE SURGERY

1. Numbing eye drops are applied to the eyes before surgery. The surgery is performed under local anaesthesia.
2. A small amount (about 0.1 ml) of an anti-growth factor is administered to the eye with a very thin injection.
3. In order to achieve the desired effect, the process must be repeated three times, six weeks apart. The possibility of repeated injections after some time is not excluded in the advanced forms of the disease.

AFTER THE SURGERY

Surgery is outpatient, the patient goes home after. A checkup where the possible application of another injection is decided usually follows one month later. Results in the form of reduced swelling already appear one week after application.

RISKS AND LIMITATIONS

Post-operative complications appear during the treatment, in particular, eye pain, a temporary worsening of vision, higher intraocular pressure, vitreous haemorrhage and infection. A more serious threat to the eye, such as retinal detachment or eye inflammation, are rare.

Despite the success of treatment with anti-growth factors, about 10% of patients do not respond to it. The option macular degeneration treatment is called photodynamic therapy.