Macular Degeneration Treatments: Best Methods and Hospitals

Macular degeneration is a serious eye disease that occurs when the macula region, located in the retina of the eye, is damaged. This condition is common in older ages and can affect millions of people worldwide, causing vision loss. Today, there are many treatment options for macular degeneration. In this article, we will examine both the main causes and symptoms of macular degeneration and the most successful hospitals worldwide for this treatment.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is the degeneration of the macula region, located in the center of the retina, due to aging. This region is responsible for clear and detailed vision. When the macula is damaged, central vision is lost or blurred, while peripheral vision is usually preserved.

Macular degeneration is divided into two main categories:

Dry Macular Degeneration: This is the most common form of the disease and vision loss usually progresses slowly. Small white or yellow deposits (drusen) accumulate on the retina.

Wet Macular Degeneration: This is a rarer and rapidly progressive form. Fluid leakage or bleeding occurs due to the growth of new abnormal blood vessels. This condition rapidly impairs central vision.

What are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?

The symptoms of macular degeneration usually manifest themselves in the following ways:

• - Blurring in the field of vision or loss of central vision

• - Colors appearing faded or different

• - Straight lines appearing wavy or broken

• - Difficulty seeing details, especially in activities such as reading or recognizing faces

Causes of Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is usually associated with aging, but certain genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors can also increase the risk.

Genetic Factors: If there is a family history of macular degeneration, the risk of developing this disease increases.

Smoking: Smoking hurts eye health by increasing oxidative stress.

Nutrition: A diet low in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can negatively affect macular health.

High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: These factors can damage retinal cells by affecting blood flow in the eye.

How to Prevent Macular Degeneration?

Although it is not possible to be completely protected from this disease, some precautions can be taken to reduce the risks:

Not Smoking: Quitting smoking is important to protect eye health.

Balanced Diet: Consuming foods such as vegetables, fruits, and fish containing omega-3 fatty acids rich in antioxidants can be beneficial.

Eye Protection: Protecting yourself from UV rays by using sunglasses can have a positive effect on eye health.

Regular Eye Checkups: Regular eye checkups, especially at an advanced age, are important for early diagnosis.

Macular Degeneration Treatment Methods

Various methods can be applied in the treatment of macular degeneration depending on the type and stage of the disease:

Anti-VEGF Drug Injections

This treatment is frequently used in the treatment of wet macular degeneration. Anti-VEGF drugs prevent the growth of abnormal vessels and prevent fluid leakage. The treatment is usually applied as a series of injections and may need to be repeated at certain intervals.

Laser Treatment

Laser treatment reduces bleeding and fluid leakage by targeting abnormal vessels. This method is especially preferred in wet macular degeneration and can be effective in controlling the progression of the disease.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Photodynamic therapy is performed by injecting a drug into the patient. While activating the drug, a light is used to target the abnormal blood vessels. This treatment is usually repeated for a certain period of time and is preferred in wet macular degeneration.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

For dry macular degeneration, supplements containing antioxidant vitamins (A, C, E), zinc, copper, and minerals such as lutein are recommended to slow down vision loss.

Leading Hospitals Offering Macular Degeneration Treatment

Here are some of the world-renowned hospitals for macular degeneration treatment:

Dunyagöz Hospital is known for its high success rates in the treatment of macular degeneration in Turkey. It offers advanced treatment options, especially anti-VEGF injections, laser treatment, and photodynamic therapy. Located in various cities, primarily in Istanbul and Ankara, this hospital is a pioneer in the field of eye health in Turkey with its large doctor staff and technological infrastructure.

One of the leading health centers in Spain, Quironsalud Clinic serves a wide range of patients across Europe. Offering innovative methods such as laser and photodynamic therapy in the treatment of macular degeneration, the clinic is located in major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona in Spain. The clinic is also one of the leading institutions in Europe in the field of eye health with its specialist doctors and advanced technology devices.

Located in Switzerland, Vista Clinic provides services with high-tech devices and expert staff in macular degeneration treatments. Thanks to Switzerland's reliable health infrastructure, this clinic is known worldwide in the field of eye health. Vista Clinic, which achieves successful results in treatments such as anti-VEGF injections and photodynamic therapy, is known for its patient satisfaction-oriented services.

Located in South Korea, Kim's Eye Hospital uses advanced laser and injection techniques in the treatment of macular degeneration. This hospital, one of Asia's leading institutions in the field of eye diseases, also provides services to patients from abroad. Kim's Eye Hospital offers successful results, especially in the treatment of wet macular degeneration.

Located in Milan, Humanitas is one of the most prestigious healthcare institutions in Italy. Known for its modern medical infrastructure, this hospital offers options such as laser therapy, anti-VEGF injections and vitamin supplements in the treatment of macular degeneration. Humanitas, which stands out with its innovative treatment applications in the field of eye health throughout Italy, appeals to a wide range of patients with its specialist physicians.

Located in Bangkok, Rutnin Eye Hospital is a prominent center in Thailand for eye health. The hospital has become one of the most preferred centers in Asia for eye health by offering advanced treatment methods such as laser therapy and photodynamic therapy. Known for its successful results in the treatment of macular degeneration, this hospital also serves many patients from abroad.

Eyelaser Center, located in Vienna, the capital of Austria, offers innovative solutions in the treatment of wet and dry macular degeneration. Eyelaser Center, preferred by patients from Europe, stands out with its laser treatment and photodynamic therapy applications. It is a leading center in the field of eye health in Austria with its specialist doctors and advanced technology devices.

Patient Experiences: Macular Degeneration Treatment Process

Many patients state that this process can be worrying after being diagnosed with macular degeneration. In particular, the first injection or laser treatment process during the treatment process can be challenging at first. However, patients state that vision loss slows down after treatment and even regains it to a certain extent in some cases. It is very important to follow the doctor's recommendations and not to skip regular check-ups during the treatment process. In this way, vision loss can be controlled and a better quality of life can be achieved.

Macular degeneration is a serious eye disease that is commonly seen in advanced ages and can lead to vision loss. However, successful methods are being applied for the treatment of the disease thanks to developing medical technologies worldwide. Leading eye hospitals in countries such as Turkey, Spain, Switzerland, South Korea, Italy, Thailand, and Austria offer hope to patients by offering innovative solutions in the treatment of macular degeneration.

Medical Tourism with A-Medical

We specialize in organizing medical tourism services, helping patients with everything from selecting the best clinic to arranging accommodation and post-operative care. Our services include:

- Pre-surgery consultations

- Assistance with selecting clinics and doctors

- Medical travel packages that cover transportation, accommodation, and aftercare

- Exclusive packages from hospitals that patients cannot access directly themselves

Learn how we save you money and time on your medical tourism journey by discovering the benefits and services we offer.

Whatsapp: +994103109333
Email: [email protected]