How Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Is Treated

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsRemedies and Lifestyle ChangesOTC TherapiesMedicationsSurgeries and ProceduresComplementary and Alternative TherapiesFrequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

OTC Therapies

Medications

Surgeries and Procedures

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Frequently Asked Questions

Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) develops because themacula, the central portion of theretina, becomes thinner and tiny clumps of protein, called drusen, grow as a result of retinal waste product buildup.As drusen accumulates and the macula thins out, seeing in low light and identifying details clearly become more difficult. Straight lines may also appear wavy.

Treatment for AMD depends on the stage and type. There are three stages of dry AMD: early, intermediate, and late. The condition usually progresses slowly over several years.

Verywell / Michela Buttignol

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

The risk factors for macular degeneration are similar to those of heart disease andstroke.For this reason, lifestyle changes that benefit your heart may also benefit your vision. Lifestyle modifications to consider include:

As central vision declines in late-stage dry AMD, you can use low-vision tools, such as magnifying tools and handheld computers, to help with daily activities. Low-vision techniques, like using high-lumen light sources, reducing glare, and increasing contrast, can also help compensate for central vision loss.

There are specialists that practice low vision or vision rehabilitation. They can assess the amount of vision loss and then make recommendations on optical magnification and other aids and/or devices to meet a person’s goals in daily life. This can help a person manage daily life while their healthcare provider treats the disease.

There are myths associated with eye and vision diseases like dry macular degeneration that are not accurate, including:

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Therapies

These are usually recommended for people with intermediate-stage dry AMD. However, you should first consult with a medical professional before taking any supplements.

The only medications available for dry AMD target a condition that can occur in its later stages, calledgeographic atrophy(GA). About 20% of people with dry AMD go on to develop GA.

In GA, retinal cells begin to die off in patches, causing blind spots in a person’s vision and worsening vision loss. The name refers to the map-like appearance the patches make on the retina.

The Food and Drug Administration approved two drugs to treat GA in 2023, calledSyfovre(pegcetacoplan) andIzervay(avacincaptad pegol). Both are known as complement inhibitors. They block different proteins in a part of the immune system called the complement cascade. This slows the progressive damage to the retina and helps preserve vision. However, while the drugs can slow vision loss, they can’t reverse it.

Both drugs are given as injections directly into the eye. Sofovre is administered every 25 to 60 days,while Izervay is given monthly.

Surgeries and Specialist-Driven Procedures

As of now, there are no surgeries that can cure dry AMD. There are, however, ways to cope as the condition progresses, and scientists are investigating new treatments for dry AMD.

For example, researchers are looking into the possibility of replacing some cells that begin to die in late-stage dry AMD.Doctors are coming up with ways to transplant these stem cells into the eye. One strategy is to layer the stem cells on thin scaffolds. Another is to put the cells into a fluid suspension that can be injected under the retina.

Dry AMD impacts central vision but not peripheral vision. A vision rehabilitation specialist can teach you how to leverage your peripheral vision to read, shop, and even cook.They can also point you to other services, such as mobility services or performing home assessments to minimize hazards and injury risk.

A few alternative therapies that have been studied to treat or slow down dry AMD disease are:

Summary

Dry macular degeneration causes central vision loss. Right now, no treatment can cure it. However, there are medications that can slow the vision loss in the later stages of dry AMD.

Lifestyle changes can also help to slow or prevent disease progression. Certain vitamins and minerals may be able to help with dry AMD, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, and copper. There are alternative therapies that may be helpful, such as acupuncture, but there isn’t enough research to back up their use for dry AMD.

A diagnosis of dry macular degeneration can be overwhelming. Understanding available treatments, expert resources, and methods to manage dry AMD are important to learning to live and maintain personal independence with dry AMD.

Frequently Asked QuestionsEye specialists like optometrists and ophthalmologists can treat dry AMD. An ophthalmologist is a physician who has completed medical school and then completed eight years of residency training. Ophthalmologists are licensed to practice both medicine and surgery.An optometrist has completed four years of optometry training. Optometrists perform eye exams, vision tests, prescribe corrective lenses, as well as detect certain eye abnormalities and eye diseases.Learn MoreTypes of Eye Doctor SpecialistsDry AMD progresses over several years. In early-stage dry AMD, you may not experience any changes in your vision. If you have intermediate dry AMD, you will start to have blurred vision. It’s important to note that complete blindness is not a common result of dry macular degeneration.Macular degeneration causes central vision loss. People with late-stage AMD may notice that straight lines look wavy or crooked and there is a blurry area near the center of your vision.Learn MoreMacular Degeneration Vision Loss TimelineFoods to include are dark, leafy green vegetables and yellow fruits and vegetables. They contain antioxidants that can keep the macula healthy. Eating plenty of fish, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids, is also considered helpful for eye health.

Eye specialists like optometrists and ophthalmologists can treat dry AMD. An ophthalmologist is a physician who has completed medical school and then completed eight years of residency training. Ophthalmologists are licensed to practice both medicine and surgery.An optometrist has completed four years of optometry training. Optometrists perform eye exams, vision tests, prescribe corrective lenses, as well as detect certain eye abnormalities and eye diseases.Learn MoreTypes of Eye Doctor Specialists

Eye specialists like optometrists and ophthalmologists can treat dry AMD. An ophthalmologist is a physician who has completed medical school and then completed eight years of residency training. Ophthalmologists are licensed to practice both medicine and surgery.An optometrist has completed four years of optometry training. Optometrists perform eye exams, vision tests, prescribe corrective lenses, as well as detect certain eye abnormalities and eye diseases.

Eye specialists like optometrists and ophthalmologists can treat dry AMD. An ophthalmologist is a physician who has completed medical school and then completed eight years of residency training. Ophthalmologists are licensed to practice both medicine and surgery.

An optometrist has completed four years of optometry training. Optometrists perform eye exams, vision tests, prescribe corrective lenses, as well as detect certain eye abnormalities and eye diseases.

Learn MoreTypes of Eye Doctor Specialists

Dry AMD progresses over several years. In early-stage dry AMD, you may not experience any changes in your vision. If you have intermediate dry AMD, you will start to have blurred vision. It’s important to note that complete blindness is not a common result of dry macular degeneration.Macular degeneration causes central vision loss. People with late-stage AMD may notice that straight lines look wavy or crooked and there is a blurry area near the center of your vision.Learn MoreMacular Degeneration Vision Loss Timeline

Dry AMD progresses over several years. In early-stage dry AMD, you may not experience any changes in your vision. If you have intermediate dry AMD, you will start to have blurred vision. It’s important to note that complete blindness is not a common result of dry macular degeneration.Macular degeneration causes central vision loss. People with late-stage AMD may notice that straight lines look wavy or crooked and there is a blurry area near the center of your vision.

Dry AMD progresses over several years. In early-stage dry AMD, you may not experience any changes in your vision. If you have intermediate dry AMD, you will start to have blurred vision. It’s important to note that complete blindness is not a common result of dry macular degeneration.

Macular degeneration causes central vision loss. People with late-stage AMD may notice that straight lines look wavy or crooked and there is a blurry area near the center of your vision.

Learn MoreMacular Degeneration Vision Loss Timeline

Foods to include are dark, leafy green vegetables and yellow fruits and vegetables. They contain antioxidants that can keep the macula healthy. Eating plenty of fish, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids, is also considered helpful for eye health.

14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Common eye disorders and diseases.NYU Langone.Lifestyle changes for age-related macular degeneration.American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is macular degeneration?American Academy of Ophthalmology.Low vision assistive devices.American Optometric Association.Low vision and vision rehabilitation.American Academy of Ophthalmologists.20 eye and vision myths.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Learn about age-related macular degeneration.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Geographic atrophy.Vakharia P, Eichenbaum D.Geographic atrophy: current and future therapeutic agents and practical considerations for retinal specialists.Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2024 Feb 29. doi: 10.1097/ICU.0000000000001046DailyMed. National Institutes of Health.SYFOVRE- pegcetacoplan injection, solution.DailyMed. National Institutes of Health.IZERVAY- avacincaptad pegol injection.American Academy of Ophthalmology.New treatments for age-related macular degeneration.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Low vision rehabilitation teams and services.Waugh N, Loveman E, Colquitt J, et al.Treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt disease: a systematic review.Health Technology Assess. 2018;22(27). doi:10.3310/hta22270

14 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Common eye disorders and diseases.NYU Langone.Lifestyle changes for age-related macular degeneration.American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is macular degeneration?American Academy of Ophthalmology.Low vision assistive devices.American Optometric Association.Low vision and vision rehabilitation.American Academy of Ophthalmologists.20 eye and vision myths.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Learn about age-related macular degeneration.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Geographic atrophy.Vakharia P, Eichenbaum D.Geographic atrophy: current and future therapeutic agents and practical considerations for retinal specialists.Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2024 Feb 29. doi: 10.1097/ICU.0000000000001046DailyMed. National Institutes of Health.SYFOVRE- pegcetacoplan injection, solution.DailyMed. National Institutes of Health.IZERVAY- avacincaptad pegol injection.American Academy of Ophthalmology.New treatments for age-related macular degeneration.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Low vision rehabilitation teams and services.Waugh N, Loveman E, Colquitt J, et al.Treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt disease: a systematic review.Health Technology Assess. 2018;22(27). doi:10.3310/hta22270

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Common eye disorders and diseases.NYU Langone.Lifestyle changes for age-related macular degeneration.American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is macular degeneration?American Academy of Ophthalmology.Low vision assistive devices.American Optometric Association.Low vision and vision rehabilitation.American Academy of Ophthalmologists.20 eye and vision myths.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Learn about age-related macular degeneration.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Geographic atrophy.Vakharia P, Eichenbaum D.Geographic atrophy: current and future therapeutic agents and practical considerations for retinal specialists.Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2024 Feb 29. doi: 10.1097/ICU.0000000000001046DailyMed. National Institutes of Health.SYFOVRE- pegcetacoplan injection, solution.DailyMed. National Institutes of Health.IZERVAY- avacincaptad pegol injection.American Academy of Ophthalmology.New treatments for age-related macular degeneration.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Low vision rehabilitation teams and services.Waugh N, Loveman E, Colquitt J, et al.Treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt disease: a systematic review.Health Technology Assess. 2018;22(27). doi:10.3310/hta22270

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Common eye disorders and diseases.

NYU Langone.Lifestyle changes for age-related macular degeneration.

American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is macular degeneration?

American Academy of Ophthalmology.Low vision assistive devices.

American Optometric Association.Low vision and vision rehabilitation.

American Academy of Ophthalmologists.20 eye and vision myths.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Learn about age-related macular degeneration.

American Academy of Ophthalmology.Geographic atrophy.

Vakharia P, Eichenbaum D.Geographic atrophy: current and future therapeutic agents and practical considerations for retinal specialists.Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2024 Feb 29. doi: 10.1097/ICU.0000000000001046

DailyMed. National Institutes of Health.SYFOVRE- pegcetacoplan injection, solution.

DailyMed. National Institutes of Health.IZERVAY- avacincaptad pegol injection.

American Academy of Ophthalmology.New treatments for age-related macular degeneration.

American Academy of Ophthalmology.Low vision rehabilitation teams and services.

Waugh N, Loveman E, Colquitt J, et al.Treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt disease: a systematic review.Health Technology Assess. 2018;22(27). doi:10.3310/hta22270

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