Macular degeneration
What is macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration is an umbrella term for various diseases affecting the macula—the central region of the retina responsible for sharp vision. This area enables us to read and recognize faces, colors, and fine details.
The most common form is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Other macular diseases can occur in patients with diabetes, circulatory disorders (such as thrombosis or retinal infarction), and severe myopia. Genetically determined macular diseases are less common.
What types of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are there?
Age-related macular degeneration is classified into two forms: dry AMD and wet AMD.
Dry AMD
In dry AMD, the breakdown of excess metabolic products is impaired, leading to the accumulation of deposits. These deposits interfere with the function of the photoreceptor cells by disrupting their nutrient supply. The risk increases significantly with age.
Dry AMD is much more common than wet AMD but generally less severe. It typically manifests as blurred vision or sharply defined “islands” of missing areas within the visual field.
Wet AMD
Wet AMD is rarer but more severe and often develops from pre-existing dry AMD. It is caused by an overproduction of growth factors—known as VEGF—that stimulate the growth of abnormal, leaky blood vessels into the retina and macula. Fluid leakage from these vessels leads to retinal swelling and ultimately damages the photoreceptor cells.
A classic sign of wet AMD is straight lines appearing wavy. Other symptoms include distorted vision and blind or grayish spots in the visual field. Because wet AMD progresses rapidly and can lead to significant vision loss, early detection and prompt treatment are crucial.
How can age-related macular degeneration (AMD) be recognized?
AMD typically causes a progressive decline in near vision. This may present as difficulty reading, recognizing faces or details, as well as the perception of wavy lines (metamorphopsia) and spots in the visual field.
Regular preventive eye examinations are strongly recommended to enable early detection. In addition, patients can monitor their own vision using self-assessment tools such as the Amsler grid or the Alleye app.
Alleye app
With the Alleye app, you can regularly test your own vision. The app detects changes at an early stage and provides reliable feedback—even between medical check-ups.
How is age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treated?
According to current medical knowledge, AMD cannot be completely cured. However, there are effective treatments for both wet and, more recently, dry AMD that can preserve vision and slow disease progression.
Photobiomodulation (PBM) for dry AMD
Dry AMD can be treated with photobiomodulation (PBM). This non-contact, painless therapy uses light at specific wavelengths to stimulate retinal cells. It slows the progression of dry AMD and can lead to significant clinical improvement.
PBM is an innovative treatment that is already in successful use in many countries and has been applied in other medical fields (e.g., neurology) for more than 80 years.
I offer PBM treatment on an outpatient basis in my practice. A total of nine sessions over three weeks is required.
Intravitreal therapy (IVT) for wet AMD
Wet AMD can be treated very effectively with medications that inhibit VEGF, the growth factor responsible for abnormal vessel formation. This causes the new vessels in the macula to regress and seal off, reducing fluid accumulation in the retina.
In intravitreal therapy (IVT), the medication is injected directly into the vitreous cavity of the eye. I perform this brief and virtually painless procedure on an outpatient basis at a partner clinic. To ensure long-term therapeutic success, the injections must be administered at regular intervals.
Patient information leaflet – Intravitreal Ozurdex implant
Declaration of consent for an intravitreal Ozurdex implant
Patienteninformation für die Durchführung einer intravitrealen Lucentis- oder Eylea-Injektion