Medications to Help Prevent Vision Loss

Macular degeneration (MD) is an eye condition that results when the retina deteriorates. The retina is the layer of tissue on the back wall of the eyeball, with a structure called the macula located in the center. The choroid is a layer of blood vessels that provides nourishment for the retina. An abnormality in these blood vessels cause the symptoms of this condition, also known as choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Central vision is affected, which is important for activities such as driving and reading. MD is related to aging, and is the leading cause of severe vision loss in persons over 60. One type, known as dry macular degeneration, is characterized by a need for brighter light when reading, difficulty recognizing faces, and a blind spot in the center of the visual field.  Wet macular degeneration is characterized by visual distortions.

Although damage from this condition is not reversible, treatments are available which help decrease further vision loss. A type of medication called anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) is sometimes injected into the eye for the treatment of wet MD. Medications of this type include pegaptanib (Macugen) and ranibizumab (Lucentis). They work by stopping new CNV growth.