# Macular Degeneration Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/treatments/macular-degeneration **Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Deniz Oygar Baylançiçek | **Date:** 2026-09-11 > **Summary:** Macular degeneration is age-related damage to the macula, the central part of the retina, which blurs or darkens central vision while side vision is preserved. It has a dry (atrophic) type, which progresses slowly and cannot be stopped, and a wet type, which progresses faster and is treated with intravitreal injections or laser; treatment aims to slow the disease and preserve vision. ## Quick Facts - **Main risk factor:** Age (over 50 years of age). - **Types:** Dry (atrophic, most common) and wet (faster, abnormal leaking vessels). - **Diagnosis:** OCT, fundus imaging, Amsler Grid, colour tests, angiography (wet type). - **Wet type treatment:** Intravitreal injections and laser. - **Injection:** A few minutes, numbing drops, usually not painful; back to daily activities the next day. - **Price:** Not fixed; depends on the underlying cause and the procedure chosen after examination. --- ## What is Macular Degeneration? Macular degeneration is damage to the central area of the retina (the macula). It affects central vision and usually occurs with age. In the dry type the cells of the macular layer deteriorate and the retinal tissue thins; in the wet type new, abnormal vessels form in the vascular layer beneath the retina, extend into the macula and leak fluid and blood, damaging tissue cells and causing vision loss and internal scars. ## Causes and Risk Factors - Age is the most important risk factor; over 50 years of age vision deteriorates with blurred macular vision, difficulty reading and finally a black spot in the centre of vision. - Smoking, exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet rays, light coloured eyes, hyperopia, hypertension and high cholesterol. - Genetic predisposition plays an important role. - The disease is not contagious and cannot be passed to other people. ## Types and Symptoms - **Dry (atrophic) type:** The most common form. Light-sensitive cells in the macula decay and retinal tissue thins. Symptoms may at first affect only one eye: blurring especially in the centre, gradual loss of vision, difficulty recognising faces or reading. A black spot may form in the centre of the visual field and expand over time. A patient may not notice the loss because the other, healthy eye sees well; the other eye may later be affected too. - **Wet type:** Develops faster than the dry type and is more serious. Earliest sign is visual impairment: straight lines appear wavy, shapes may be distorted, colours may become dull and a blind spot may appear in the centre of the focusing area. - Patients do not completely lose their vision: peripheral (side) vision continues and is preserved for longer, so movements from the sides can still be seen. Ability to distinguish colours may decrease as the disease progresses. ## Diagnosis - Eye tests, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus imaging. - Colour tests to check how well the cone cells of the retina work. - Fundus examination: small clumps of yellow deposits under the macula or pigment fragments suggest dry macular degeneration. - Amsler Grid, the most important part of the examination: the patient looks at a dot in the centre of a grid; wavy lines suggest macular degeneration. The doctor may recommend using it at home to monitor the condition. - Angiography to show the leaking vessels in wet macular degeneration. ## Treatment Methods - Treatment depends on the type: preventive treatment, intraocular (intravitreal) injection therapy and photodynamic therapy can be applied. - If left untreated, advanced vision loss occurs. The aim of treatment is to slow the progression and preserve vision; there are methods to maintain reduced vision at its current level, and in the wet type injections can improve vision in some patients. - **Dry type:** No treatment stops it; in the intermediate stage a vitamin and mineral supplement known as the AREDS formula can slow its progression. It progresses very slowly and despite central vision loss patients manage their daily routine. The FAQ also recommends lifestyle changes. - **Wet type:** Intravitreal injections and laser; medication and laser can slow the progression. Regular check-ups help recognise worsening. ## What to Expect After an Eye Injection - The injection is given within a few minutes into an eye numbed with drops; it is usually not painful, though some feel slight pressure or discomfort. - Afterwards the eye may feel gritty or look red, or a small bleed may appear where the needle went in; these usually settle on their own within a few days. - Most people return to daily activities the next day. - Treatment is usually repeated at set intervals, so check-ups should not be missed. - Contact the doctor straight away if pain increases, vision drops noticeably or redness gets worse. ## Treatment Price Prices vary depending on the underlying cause and the operation to be performed; the treatment plan is made by the specialist ophthalmologist after a detailed examination and differs from person to person. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?** A: Blurred central vision, wavy appearance of straight lines, difficulty perceiving colours, reading and recognising faces. **Q: Can macular degeneration be treated?** A: For wet macular degeneration, medication and laser treatment can slow the progression of the disease. For the dry type, lifestyle changes and vitamin supplements are recommended. **Q: Does macular degeneration lead to blindness?** A: It affects central vision but does not usually result in complete blindness; peripheral vision is usually preserved. **Q: Is macular degeneration hereditary?** A: Yes, genetic predisposition plays an important role in its development. **Q: Are vitamin and mineral supplements effective?** A: No treatment stops dry macular degeneration, but in the intermediate stage certain vitamin and mineral combinations (the AREDS formula) can slow its progression. **Q: Does smoking affect macular degeneration?** A: Yes, smoking increases the risk of developing the disease and can accelerate its progression. **Q: What lifestyle changes are recommended?** A: A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, green leafy vegetables, regular exercise and UV protective sunglasses.