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"Wet" and "dry" age-related macular degeneration (AMD) differ in several important respects, including in their treatment options.
Treatment options for wet AMD:
Photodynamic therapy with Visudyne. Visudyne therapy, a form of photodynamic therapy, brings together a light-activated drug (Visudyne) and the use of a non-thermal ("cold") laser. The laser activates the drug in a targeted area of the eye, producing a reaction that destroys abnormal, leaky blood vessels.
Patients diagnosed with a certain form of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may be candidates for Visudyne therapy, an FDA-approved form of photodynamic therapy for the eyes.
Other treatment options. There are other drug and laser therapies available to treat wet AMD. For a complete list of treatment options, please talk with your healthcare professional.
Treatment options for dry AMD:
In 2001, the National Eye Institute-funded Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) showed that high levels of certain antioxidants and zinc can help prevent vision loss in people at high risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Today there are a number of vitamin supplements on the market specially formulated to promote eye health and help prevent vision loss due to AMD and other diseases. If you (or your loved one) have been diagnosed with dry AMD, check with your doctor to see if supplements are an appropriate course of therapy for you.
Regular eye exams:
The key to timely treatment
Research continues into effective treatments for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), both wet and dry, and new treatments are on the way. The earlier appropriate treatment is started, however, the better the chances of success. So if you're overdue for a visit to your eyecare specialist, be sure to schedule an appointment soon.
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Related pages on this site:
About Visudyne
How Visudyne Works
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