Treating Macular Degeneration

Can I be helped to see better?

Don't be discouraged - your vision can be improved.

Some forms of degeneration can be treated by laser.

Laser treatment is useful for about 10 per cent of people with disciform degeneration.

This always where people have reported their symptoms early.

When successful it can prevent things getting worse, sometimes returning sight that has been lost.

There are also a variety of optical aids - ask your doctor to refer you to the hospital low vision clinic.

What Can I do About Sight Loss

There are many ways to maximize your remaining vision. An eye specialist or optometrist can advise you regarding low vision aids.

For expert help and financial benefits you can register as partially sighted or blind through your eye specialist.

Treatments For Macular Degeneration.

Most sight-threatening diabetic problems can be prevented by laser treatment if it is given early enough. It is important to realise however that laser treatment aims to save the sight you have - not to make it better.

Laser treatment carried out in an outpatient clinic, you will not need a hospital stay.

Is it painful?

The treatment for sealing blood vessels doesn't usually cause any discomfort.

However the treatment to remove new blood vessels can be a bit uncomfortable. Different forms of pain relief are available for this process, you can ask for advice during your consultation.

Does laser treatment have any side effects?

The treatment for sealing blood vessels has few side effects,

You may have a little central vision loss or see the laser burns as tiny blank spots.

The laser treatment to remove new blood vessels is more complex, there are potentially more side effects.

Some peripheral vision loss is common. This can affect your ability to drive.

Night and colour vision may suffer some deterioration.

Occasionally, central vision may be reduced meaning print isn't as easy to see. This is usually temporary but sometimes doesn't improve.

No treatment is possible without some side effects. But the risks of laser treatment are far less than the risks of not having treatment.

With more severe cases it may be necessary to perform vitreous surgery. You should discuss the various options with a consultant ophthalmologist.