Macular degeneration is a complex situation that is caused by a variety of problems. One of the most severe of these conditions is dry macular degeneration, a disease that has no real cure and which can quickly progress to blindness. However, recent breakthroughs in laser treatment could help millions of people who suffer from this disease.
Understanding Dry Macular Degeneration
Dry macular degeneration is a condition caused that slowly breaks down the tissue in your eye that is responsible for direct sight vision. Basically, the cells in the eye stop removing the waste material that builds up in the eye, leading to a thinning and break down of eye tissue.
Usually, this disease starts developing in people over 65 and includes a variety of symptoms, including
- Visual distortions
- Decreased vision clarity
- Blurry printed words
- Increased difficulty seeing in poorly light areas
- Problems recognizing faces
- Poor central vision
Laser Technology Could Help
Laser technology has been used for years to treat a variety of eye problems, but dry macular degeneration has rarely been touched on. However, recent trials with a new pulsed laser treatment has been promising. It is a 15-minute procedure that is designed to stimulate eye cells to get rid of the waste deposits that cause dry macular degeneration.
The first trial was focused primarily on diabetic eye conditions that were similar to dry macular degeneration and a second trial will take place soon. With proper testing and funding, it could reach the public as soon as five years.
What To Do Until Then
Until this laser technology gets approved for the treatment of dry macular degeneration, there are a few things you can do to help slow the progression of this disease. For example, some doctors may prescribe antioxidants and zinc to help decrease the damage caused by this condition. Typically, supplements of this type include a change in diet to include low-fat meats and fruits.
Other ways that it can be slowed include removing the lens of the eye and replaces it with a telescope. This treatment is only necessary in extreme instances of vision loss. Some techniques, such as acupuncture, micro-current stimulation, and rheopheresis are in early testing stages.
Fending off the progress of your dry macular degeneration using these techniques can help you retain much of your sight until this laser treatment is available. Keep track of the progress of this technology to ensure that you are ready for it when it debuts. More info can be found here.
Share