Macular Degeneration
(Yellow Spot Disease)

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Macular Degeneration Treatment

Macular degeneration (Age-Related Macular Degeneration – AMD) is one of the leading causes of central vision loss, especially in people over 50. Although the disease cannot be cured completely, modern treatment methods available today can significantly slow its progression, preserve existing vision in many patients and improve visual acuity in some.

The treatment plan depends on whether the disease is the dry type or the wet type. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis and regular follow-up are the foundation of successful treatment.

Accurate Diagnosis Before Macular Degeneration Treatment

The type of the disease must be determined before treatment begins.

For this purpose,

• Detailed retinal examination
• OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography)
• OCT Angiography (OCTA)
• Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA) when necessary

are used.

Thanks to the advanced retinal imaging systems at Kaşkaloğlu Eye Hospital, a diagnosis can be made in most patients without the need for injection-based eye angiography.

Treatment of Dry Macular Degeneration

The dry type accounts for approximately 90% of patients.

In this type, the goal is to slow the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of conversion to the wet type.

Treatment options include:

• Regular retinal check-ups
• Quitting smoking
• A Mediterranean-style diet
• Vitamin supplementation based on the AREDS2 formula (in suitable patients)
• Wearing UV-protective sunglasses
•  

Valeda Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)

Valeda Photobiomodulation is a light therapy that can be considered for certain patients with dry macular degeneration.  

This method uses low-energy light at different wavelengths with the aim of supporting energy production in retinal cells.

Valeda therapy:

• Is painless.
• Does not require surgery.
• Is performed on an outpatient basis.
• May help preserve visual function in suitable patients.

As it may not be suitable for every patient, the treatment decision is made after a retinal examination.

Treatment of Wet Macular Degeneration

In wet macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels develop beneath the retina.

These vessels leak fluid and blood and can cause severe vision loss within a short time.

Therefore, wet macular degeneration requires urgent treatment.

• Eylea (Aflibercept) / Eylea HD
• Vabysmo (Faricimab)
• Lucentis (Ranibizumab)
• Altuzan / Avastin (Bevacizumab)

Intravitreal Injections (Anti–VEGF Therapy) (Injection into the Eye)

Today, the most effective treatment for wet macular degeneration the administration of Anti-VEGF drug injections into the eye.

These drugs:

• Suppress the formation of new blood vessels.
• Reduce fluid leakage.
• Bring bleeding under control.
• Help preserve vision.

The primary aim of treatment is to preserve existing vision. In suitable patients, vision may also improve.

Because the effect of the injections is temporary, they must be repeated at the intervals recommended by your doctor.

Is Laser Treatment Used?

While laser treatment was used more frequently for wet macular degeneration in the past, its use today is quite limited.

It is preferred only in certain selected patients.

Telescopic Lenses

In advanced macular degeneration, telescopic systems may be used in some patients to improve the quality of vision.

These may take the form of:

• Special telescopic glasses
• Telescopic lenses implanted inside the eye

These methods do not cure the disease, but they can improve quality of life in suitable patients.

Why Is Follow-up Important in Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a chronic disease.

Therefore, the progression of the disease should be closely monitored with:

• Regular OCT check-ups
• Retinal examinations
• Amsler Grid testing when necessary

Changes detected at an early stage significantly increase treatment success.

Why Kaşkaloğlu Eye Hospital?

At Kaşkaloğlu Eye Hospital, the diagnosis and treatment of macular degeneration patients are carried out by experienced retina specialists under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Mahmut Kaşkaloğlu. Our hospital offers patients up-to-date treatment options with advanced retinal imaging systems, OCT and OCTA technologies, intravitreal injection treatments and, in suitable patients, Valeda photobiomodulation. The treatment process is not limited to the procedures performed; with regular follow-up and personalized assessments, the aim is to preserve vision in the long term.