Burlingame Location

(650) 697-3200

Daly City Location

(650) 756-2020

San Francisco Location

(415) 362-3364

Macular Degeneration Treatment Options

It's important to take the risk of eye disease seriously, especially as we age. Conditions like age-related macular degeneration can lead to vision loss, but they can potentially be treated through eye surgery and other interventions. At Peninsula Ophthalmology Group's offices in Burlingame and Daly City, CA, we have treated macular degeneration for many years.

Macular Degeneration Treatment Options

What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

As a person grows older, a part of their retina called the macula may become damaged. This can lead to blurred vision and can eventually cause loss of vision. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in seniors. Many people with AMD don't experience any significant symptoms until after the condition has progressed, which is why regular exams with an eye doctor are crucial. After AMD is diagnosed, a person may be referred to an ophthalmologist or a retina specialist for treatment. There are two types of AMD: dry and wet.

Dry Macular Degeneration

This is the most common form of macular degeneration. It occurs when a person's macula thins with age. Dry AMD has three different stages, and symptoms become more severe with time. If it isn't properly treated, the condition can progress into wet AMD.

Wet Macular Degeneration 

This form of macular degeneration is less common but is far more serious. It occurs when the macula is damaged by blood vessels that grow at the back of the eye. Unlike dry AMD, it progresses quickly and can cause rapid vision loss. While wet AMD can be more damaging, it can also be easier to treat. 

Treatment for Macular Degeneration

The treatment for age-related macular degeneration varies based on the type of AMD a person has and the severity of their symptoms. When someone has dry AMD, an eye doctor will usually monitor their retina through regular eye exams. If the condition is detected in the early stages, supplements and other interventions can potentially slow retina deterioration. 

Late-stage dry AMD can't be treated, but low vision aids like reading magnifiers and large print objects can help to mitigate the effects of vision loss. Eyeglasses with specialized lenses and electronic lenses can also help a person to see when they've experienced significant vision loss. 

While the effects of wet macular degeneration can be swift and severe, there are also many treatment options available. Potential treatments include:

  • Laser therapy
  • Eye surgery
  • Laser surgery
  • Injectable medications 

Therapy for macular degeneration can be highly effective and may even be able to help people restore some lost vision. If you're concerned that you have AMD, you should talk to an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. 

Schedule an Appointment with Our Eye Doctor for Macular Degeneration Treatment

Macular degeneration is a common condition that can result in significant vision loss. While treatment options for dry AMD are limited, laser surgery and other treatments can improve the symptoms of wet AMD. Visit the Peninsula Ophthalmology Group at our offices in Daly City, San Francisco, and Burlingame, CA if you'd like to learn more!

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