There are two major type of ARMD, called "dry" form and "wet" form.  Most cases are the dry form, which tends to develop slowly as the macular area degenerate.  It may take 10 to 20 years before patients experience serious visual handicap.  The wet form occurs rather suddenly and patients may experience loss of central vision overnight.   Fortunately, about 90% of macular degeneration is dry type.

Currently we do not know what causes dry type macular degeneration and therefore, there is no effective treatment available.  However, it has been suggested that anti-oxidants such as vitamin D, lutein and Zeaxanthin may provide some protection against oxidative damage.  These nutrients are found in deep green vegetables, marigold flowers, and egg yolk.   We recommend that patient with macular degeneration take deep green vegetable such as Kale, spinach, collard green. Smoking has also been shown to increase the risk of macular degeneration.

Treatment for the wet form has become more effective since Avastin therapy became available.  Avastin is a drug that inhibits abnormal vessel formation in the retina.  It is injected into the eye to stop bleeding under the retina. Patients received Avastin injection is more likely to improve their vision for wet-type macular degeneration.  Multiple injections are often needed to effectively stop recurrence of bleeding.  This therapy is available at Lubbock Eye Clinic.