How should macular disease be treated?

Under normal circumstances, treatment methods for macular degeneration mainly include general management, medication, laser therapy, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy, and surgical treatment. Specific details are as follows:

1. General Management

Patients should avoid prolonged exposure of the eyes to intense light and wear ultraviolet (UV)-protective sunglasses when outdoors. They should reduce time spent using electronic devices to prevent eye strain. Dietary adjustments are recommended, including increased intake of foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin—such as spinach and corn—along with quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and maintaining stable blood pressure and glucose levels, all of which help create a favorable physiological environment for macular repair.

2. Medication

Pharmacological treatment is suitable for certain types of macular degeneration. If inflammation is present, medications such as prednisolone acetate ophthalmic solution, dexamethasone intravitreal implant, or fluorometholone ophthalmic solution may be used under medical supervision to reduce inflammatory responses. For retinal edema, physicians may recommend chrysanthemum-digitalis eye drops to improve ocular blood circulation and alleviate swelling.

3. Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is commonly used for conditions such as macular edema and macular holes. Using lasers of specific wavelengths, this treatment seals off abnormal blood vessels to reduce fluid leakage and relieve macular edema. In cases of macular holes, laser photocoagulation can promote retinal tissue repair at the edges of the hole, preventing further progression of the disease. This procedure must be performed by a qualified ophthalmologist.

4. Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (Anti-VEGF) Therapy

Anti-VEGF therapy is a common approach for treating wet-type macular degeneration. It involves injecting medication into the vitreous cavity to inhibit the formation of abnormal blood vessels, reduce vascular leakage, alleviate macular edema, and preserve macular function. Commonly used drugs include ranibizumab injection, conbercept intraocular injection, and aflibercept intravitreal solution. Treatment should follow a prescribed course under medical guidance.

5. Surgical Treatment

In severe cases of macular degeneration—such as those involving macular epiretinal membrane or large macular holes—surgical intervention may be necessary. Common procedures include vitrectomy combined with epiretinal membrane peeling or vitrectomy combined with macular hole closure. These surgeries aim to remove pathological tissues and restore macular structure, thereby improving vision. Postoperative care is essential to prevent infection.

In addition, patients should undergo regular fundus examinations as directed by their physician to monitor disease progression. If sudden vision loss or worsening visual distortion occurs, prompt medical attention is required to adjust the treatment plan accordingly.