Exploring New Treatments For Macular Degeneration
The disease that almost all older people suffer from is called Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD or AMD). It causes severe vision loss in one or both eyes and can come on gradually or very quickly. While there is no cure in sight, there are treatment options that can at least slow the progression of the disease. New treatments for macular degeneration are surfacing every day and it is possible that a real cure may be on the horizon.
One of the newest treatments for ARMD is macular translocation. This surgical procedure is done when a surgeon moves the macula (in the retina) away from any diseased areas of the eye. Once moved, the macula is closer to healthier tissues and the hope is that better vision will occur. Then, laser treatment of the diseased blood vessels can be done away from the macula and there will be less chance of the macula having further damage done.
Another possibility for the treatment of ARMD is to have retinal implants and/or transplants. Not all doctors agree that perfect vision will return after the surgery is performed and there is much controversy regarding this method of treatment. Basically, a healthy retina replaces the diseased one during the surgery. With this form of treatment, there is always the possibility of rejection and it’s doubtful that the new retina will have light-sensing capabilities and be able to transmit electrical impulses to the brain. Currently, there is no guarantee that the transplant will work and, in fact, may cause more severe vision loss than ARMD.
A retinal implant, on the other hand, is a manmade product that replaces the disease retina. Today’s advanced computer technology is being used to treat ARMD. Scientists are in the process of developing computer programs that will copy the light-responsive actions of the retina. The procedure involves the implantation of silicone retinas that really act a “robots” to help the patient see clearly again. Computer technology that potentially can be used in ARMD treatment is just beginning and there is still a long way to go before the brain can be “trained” to respond to a prosthetic computerized retina.
All of these new treatments for macular degeneration might just be the answer to help our older generation see better at the end of their lives. A real cure for ARMD rather than just a treatment likely is just around the corner.
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