Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatment

How is macular degeneration treated?

Macular degeneration does not affect every person in the same way. Some forms progress slowly over many years, while wet AMD can cause a sudden change in central vision and may require prompt treatment.

A retinal assessment can identify the type and stage of AMD, determine whether treatment is needed and establish how often your vision and retinal scans should be monitored.

URGENT: If straight lines suddenly look wavy or bent, you develop a new central blur or dark patch, or your vision changes suddenly, arrange urgent eye assessment. These symptoms can indicate wet AMD or another retinal problem.

Treatment depends on the type of AMD

Early and intermediate dry AMD

Dry AMD usually develops gradually. In the earlier stages, management focuses on monitoring the macula and reducing modifiable risk factors rather than surgery.

Your eye-care plan may include:

• Regular eye examinations and OCT scans when clinically indicated
• Monitoring vision at home, for example with an Amsler grid if recommended
• Stopping smoking
• A balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruit and healthy fats
• Managing general health factors such as blood pressure and cardiovascular risk
• Nutritional supplementation for selected AMD stages when recommended by your eye-care professional

Nutritional supplements are not appropriate for every person with AMD. Your ophthalmologist or optometrist can advise whether a specific supplement formulation is relevant to your stage of disease.

Geographic atrophy

Geographic atrophy is an advanced form of dry AMD in which areas of retinal tissue gradually lose function. It can cause progressive central vision loss.

Selected adults with geographic atrophy may now have specialist treatment options available in Australia. These treatments are designed to slow the growth of atrophy in carefully selected patients; they do not replace retinal cells that have already been lost or restore vision that is already permanently damaged.

Eligibility depends on the location and pattern of the atrophy, whether central vision is threatened, the health of the rest of the eye and the balance of potential benefits, risks and treatment burden.

Wet AMD

Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath or within the macula and leak fluid or blood. It can cause a rapid change in central vision.

Wet AMD usually requires prompt retinal specialist assessment. Treatment commonly involves an in-clinic eye injection procedure to control abnormal blood-vessel activity and retinal leakage, with OCT scans used to monitor the response.

Treatment schedules vary. Some patients need injections frequently at first and then at longer intervals, while others require ongoing treatment to keep the disease controlled.

How is AMD monitored?

AMD care usually combines visual testing with detailed retinal imaging. The tests used depend on the type and stage of disease.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT)

OCT is a non-contact scan that creates detailed cross-sectional images of the macula. It can show fluid, retinal thickening, thinning or areas of atrophy and is central to monitoring many AMD patients.

Dilated retinal examination

Dilating eye drops may be used so the ophthalmologist can examine the macula and surrounding retina in detail.

Retinal photography and angiography

Retinal photographs can help document change over time. In selected cases, angiography may be used to assess abnormal retinal or choroidal blood vessels and guide treatment planning.

Are eye injections used for macular degeneration?

Yes. In-clinic eye injection treatment is an established part of care for wet AMD and may also be considered for selected patients with other advanced AMD subtypes.

The exact treatment, expected frequency, benefits and risks are determined by your retinal specialist after reviewing your scans and overall eye health.

Is laser used to treat macular degeneration?

Laser is no longer the main treatment for most AMD. Modern retinal care relies more heavily on retinal imaging and specialist-administered treatment.

Photodynamic therapy or other laser-based treatment may still have a role in selected retinal conditions or particular forms of abnormal blood-vessel disease, but this is not the routine pathway for most people with AMD.

Does cataract surgery treat macular degeneration?

No. Cataract surgery treats clouding of the eye's natural lens; it does not repair damage in the macula. However, cataract and AMD often occur together.

If cataract is also reducing vision, cataract surgery may improve the portion of vision lost because of the cataract. The final visual result will still be limited by the severity of the underlying macular disease.

Specialised magnifying or macular-vision intraocular lenses have been studied for selected people with advanced AMD, but these are visual-rehabilitation strategies rather than treatments that stop AMD progression. They are not suitable for every patient and should only be considered after detailed retinal and cataract assessment.

What results can AMD treatment achieve?

The aim of AMD treatment depends on the stage and type of disease. Treatment may be intended to slow progression, control leakage or bleeding, preserve existing vision or improve vision where retinal function can recover.

No treatment can guarantee that a person will regain reading vision, recognise faces normally or meet the legal standard for driving. Some patients improve, some remain stable and others may continue to lose vision despite treatment.

Living with central vision loss

If AMD has caused permanent central vision loss, treatment is only one part of care. Low-vision rehabilitation can help people make better use of remaining vision and maintain independence.

Support may include:

• Magnifiers and task-specific reading aids
• Improved lighting and contrast
• Phone, tablet and computer accessibility settings
• Electronic magnification
• Orientation and mobility support
• Occupational therapy and low-vision services

When should I see a retinal specialist?

Arrange assessment if you have been diagnosed with AMD, your optometrist has identified macular changes, or you have noticed new central-vision symptoms.

Seek urgent assessment for:

• Straight lines suddenly appearing wavy or distorted
• A new dark, grey or blurred patch in the centre of vision
• Sudden worsening of reading or face recognition
• A rapid change in vision in either eye

Book a macular assessment

A comprehensive macular assessment can identify the type and stage of AMD and explain whether monitoring, treatment or low-vision support is appropriate.

Book an appointment with personalEYES or call 1300 68 3937. If your vision has changed suddenly, seek urgent assessment rather than waiting for a routine appointment.