Despite the fact that there is no cure for age-related macular degeneration, it can be treated so that the progression of vision loss is slowed down. The majority of people who suffer from this condition have the dry variety, which is the least severe form, so it can typically be treated using certain nutritional supplements. Adding or avoiding some types of foods can also help prevent or treat this condition. Those with the advanced form of this eye disorder, however, may opt for surgery to treat it.
The main form of dry macular degeneration treatment involves ingesting specific vitamins, a method that has worked particularly well for those in the intermediate stage of this condition. Zinc, antioxidants, and copper are all known for helping to treat this eye disorder. Adding vitamins A, C, and E to the diet is also considered a good type of dry macular degeneration treatment. Unfortunately, those in the early or advanced stages are less likely to see a change than those in the intermediate stage, though this treatment also cannot hurt them. On the other hand, patients with this condition in one eye may find that this kind of treatment helps prevent or slow the spread of it to the other eye.
Some eye doctors recommend a lifestyle change when it comes to dry macular degeneration treatment. For example, adding leafy green vegetables to the diet may be helpful since they contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which are vitamins that could help with dry macular degeneration treatment. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids can also help treat or even prevent this issue, which is why some doctors recommend the addition of walnuts and coldwater fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines to the diet. Omega-6 fatty acids, on the other hand, may actually increase the chances of developing this issue, which is why ingestion of items like vegetable oil should be reduced or avoided completely according to some eye doctors.
Those with the advanced stage of this condition should consider getting a telescopic lens in one of the eyes. This small tube can be implanted in either eye, resulting in the ability to see better both close-up and far away. This type of dry macular degeneration treatment uses magnifying lenses in order to improve vision, requiring only that the original lens of the eye be removed to make room for this kind of lens. The result is that the blind spot that often occurs with this kind of condition becomes smaller than usual, allowing patients an improvement in central vision.