Are there steps I can take to help manage my wet AMD symptoms?

Though Wet AMD is not curable, symptoms can be reduced and the disease progression can be slowed down.

Transcript

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Hey, Dr. Zhu. Are there any steps I can take to help manage my wet macular degeneration symptoms?

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[MUSIC PLAYING] Neovascular age-related macular degeneration,

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also known as wet AMD, is a chronic eye disorder that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible

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for central vision. Symptoms for wet AMD can occur suddenly and worsen quickly.

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You may experience reduced central vision in one or both of your eyes, a blurry or blind spot in vision,

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or increased difficulty in adapting to low light settings. Though wet AMD is not curable, symptoms can be reduced,

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and the disease progression can be slowed down. Management options include working with a low vision rehabilitation specialist that

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can help you adapt to any vision changes, medications that can be injected into the affected eyes

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by a medical professional, photodynamic therapy, or PDT, which is a procedure your eye health care

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provider can perform to rid the eye of extra blood vessels. However, this treatment is uncommon and typically only

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administered to those who failed what's called anti-VEGF therapy. Anti-VEGF treatment is designed to block a protein that

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helps produce new blood vessels and slow the growth of blood vessels in the eye. There are also some lifestyle changes

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that may help slow the progression of wet AMD. These include things like quit smoking, incorporate

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more leafy greens and high protein foods into your diet, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise regularly.

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If you're struggling with your wet AMD symptoms, contact your eye health care provider immediately.

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The earlier wet AMD is diagnosed, the better. Talk to your health care provider to make a plan that works for you.