Macular degeneration, particularly age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. The condition begins with the “dry” form, which happens as the macula, the center part of the eye’s retina, gets thinner. In some people, it can turn into a “wet” form, a more serious phase involving abnormal blood vessel growth. In this type, tiny blood vessels leak fluid into the eye, causing inflammation. Both types of AMD have treatments that can help slow the disease, alleviate symptoms, and protect your remaining vision.*

Managing Dry AMD: Supplements and New Innovations

The intermediate stage of dry AMD can often be managed with a targeted nutritional strategy. The AREDS2 formula, a specific mix of vitamins and minerals (vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, and copper), has been clinically shown to reduce the risk of disease progression. 

You should consult your ophthalmologist before starting this (or any other supplement) regimen, as not all over-the-counter “eye health” vitamins meet the evidence-based standards of AREDS2.

For advanced dry AMD, two FDA-approved treatments are available as eye injections:

• Syfovre, and 
• Izervay

These help slow down the damage known as geographic atrophy, which causes parts of the retina to waste away. A newer, non-invasive, treatment called the Valeda® Light Delivery System was approved in 2024. It uses red and near-infrared light wavelengths to stimulate eye cell repair. 

Wet AMD: Injections and Targeted Therapies

Treatment of wet AMD focuses on preventing further vision loss rather than curing the disease. The most common intervention involves:

• Anti-VEGF injections, which block a protein that encourages abnormal blood vessel growth. These injections are administered directly into the eye under local anesthesia.

Other options include:

• Photodynamic therapy (PDT), which uses a light-activated drug to target leaking blood vessels, and 
• Laser photocoagulation surgery, which is only used in special cases. though 

These are used less frequently today due to the superior effectiveness of anti-VEGF drugs, though PDT remains a useful tool in specific subtypes of wet AMD where vessel leakage is well-defined.

Seeing your eye doctor regularly and acting fast if your vision changes are key to managing AMD. The right treatment depends on your type and stage of the disease.

*BrightFocus Foundation. (n.d.). Treatments for Macular Degeneration. 

https://www.brightfocus.org/macular/treatments/ 

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