Treating Macular Degeneration with Laser Therapy

1. Treating Macular Degeneration with Laser Therapy Macular degeneration is one of the most common causes of vision loss in people over the age of 60. It is caused by damage to the macula, which is a small area in the center of the retina that’s responsible for sharp, central vision. As macular degeneration progresses, it can lead to a loss of central vision and even blindness. Fortunately, there are treatments available for macular degeneration. One such treatment is laser therapy, which involves using a low-energy beam of light to reduce or stop the progression of the disease. This type of treatment has been used for many years and has been shown to be effective in slowing down or even stopping the progression of macular degeneration. The laser therapy works by targeting and destroying abnormal blood vessels that are associated with wet macular degeneration. These abnormal blood vessels can leak fluid into the retina, resulting in permanent damage to your vision if left untreated. By targeting these vessels with laser energy, they can be destroyed without harming any healthy tissue around them. The procedure itself is relatively straightforward and usually only takes a few minutes from start to finish. The doctor will first perform an eye exam to make sure you’re a good candidate for laser therapy and then apply anesthetic eye drops so you won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. The doctor will then use a specialized laser device to direct a low-energy beam onto the affected area of your retina. This beam will cause tiny burns on the abnormal blood vessels, causing them to shrink and eventually disappear over time. Although laser therapy has been proven effective in treating macular degeneration, it’s important to note that it doesn’t always work for everyone and may not be able to restore lost vision completely. In some cases, multiple treatments may be needed before any significant improvement is seen; however, this varies from person-to-person depending on their condition and response to treatment.

2. In addition to being used as a treatment option for macular degeneration, laser therapy can also be used as part of preventative care for those at risk for developing this condition due its ability to slow down or stop its progression before it becomes severe enough to cause permanent damage or vision loss. If you have risk factors such as age (over 60), family history or lifestyle habits (smoking) that put you at greater risk for developing macular degeneration, talk with your doctor about whether laser therapy could benefit you as part of your preventative care plan. Overall, laser therapy is an effective treatment option for those suffering from macular degeneration; however, it’s important that you discuss all possible options with your doctor before deciding which route would be best suited for you personally based on your individual needs and circumstances.