"Wet" Macular Degeneration & the Impact of Laser Therapy

Macular degeneration is a progressive deterioration of eye health that affects more than 13 million Americans each year. Because macular degeneration is generally age-related, commonly referred to as RMD, it is important to understand not just the dynamics of the condition, including sub-types of wet and dry macular degeneration, but also the most effective methods for treatment.

While wet macular degeneration is far less common than a dry macular degeneration, the complication is still of significant concern. Creating an even greater complication and deterioration in the sufferer, individuals who suffer from wet macular degeneration often seek out medical treatment and remedies more frequently than their counterparts.

One such treatment option, known as laser therapy, is quite common among wet macular degeneration patients. Different from vision correction surgery, laser therapy is a simple procedure in which a beam of light is shown into the eye, forming a scar over the bleeding vessel. While this procedure sounds rather painful, the reality is that it is painless and can be done in the convenience e of the ophthalmologist's office without long term stay. As a disadvantage, however, the use of laser therapy, in treating wet macular degeneration, may result in a bleeding complication post-operatively; which will require more extensive treatment later on.

Another disadvantage to laser therapy in the treatment of wet macular degeneration lies in the formation of a scar which will create a blind spot in the vision. Therefore, if you suffer from several bleeding arteries, this complication must be discussed with the healthcare professional to determine if the benefit of laser therapy will outweigh the risks of multiple blind spots.