Macular degeneration occurs as a result of damage to the macula, the part of the retina located at the back of the eye. Since this region is responsible for central vision, as the disease progresses, the person begins to see the center of the objects they look at as blurred or dark.

Op. Dr. Diclehan states that this disease is especially common in individuals over the age of 50 and that the decrease in the regeneration rate of cells with aging is one of the most important causes.

Types of Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is divided into two main types: dry type and wet type. Both forms can cause vision loss, but the rate of progression differs.

Dry Macular Degeneration
This is the most common type. The cells in the eye gradually deteriorate over time. The disease progresses slowly and usually affects both eyes.
In dry type macular degeneration, vision loss is generally gradual. During this process, patients may experience symptoms such as faded colors, difficulty reading, or loss of detail.
Op. Dr. Diclehan states that in dry type cases, regular follow-up and appropriate vitamin supplements can help slow the progression of the disease.

Wet Macular Degeneration
This form is more dangerous. Abnormal blood vessels form under the retina, and these vessels leak and damage the retinal tissue. Vision loss occurs much more rapidly.
Op. Dr. Diclehan emphasizes that early diagnosis is extremely important in wet macular degeneration, because if treatment is not started early, permanent vision loss may occur.

Can Macular Degeneration Be Completely Cured?
Macular degeneration is a chronic eye disease, and currently there is no treatment that completely cures it. However, modern medicine has made it possible to stop the progression of the disease and reduce vision loss.

According to Op. Dr. Diclehan:
“If macular degeneration is diagnosed early, vision loss can be stopped with appropriate treatment and quality of life can be preserved.”

The rate of improvement varies depending on the type of the disease:

Dry type cases usually progress very slowly, and with regular treatment, vision can largely be preserved.
In wet type cases, eye injections and laser treatments can stop the progression of the disease.

So although macular degeneration cannot be completely eliminated, it can be controlled with early diagnosis and regular treatment.

How Is Macular Degeneration Diagnosed?
During the diagnostic process, examinations such as fundus examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescein angiography are used. These tests provide detailed images of the retina and help determine the stage of the disease.

Op. Dr. Diclehan notes that as of 2025, OCT devices provide extremely precise results and make early detection of the disease much easier.

Treatment Methods for Macular Degeneration

Intravitreal Injections (Anti-VEGF Therapy)
This is the most effective treatment for wet macular degeneration. These injections target the abnormal blood vessels under the retina and prevent leakage.
The treatment is usually repeated every few weeks. When applied regularly, progression of vision loss can be stopped, and in some patients partial visual improvement may occur.
Op. Dr. Diclehan emphasizes that these injections are extremely safe when performed by an experienced specialist under sterile conditions.

Laser Treatment
Laser beams are used to close leaking blood vessels under the retina. This treatment is generally preferred in selected wet-type cases.
The procedure is painless and usually completed in a single session.

Photodynamic Therapy
This is a treatment method in which medication and laser are used together. The drug is given intravenously and activated by a laser beam to close the leaking blood vessels.

Nutritional Support
In dry type macular degeneration, antioxidant vitamins, zinc, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids are recommended as supportive treatment.
Op. Dr. Diclehan explains that these nutrients increase cellular resistance and help slow the progression of the disease.

How Can the Progression of Macular Degeneration Be Slowed Down?
Although a complete cure is not possible, some lifestyle changes can slow the progression of the disease:

Smoking should be stopped.
A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and fish should be followed.
Sunglasses should be worn to protect from UV light.
Regular eye examinations should not be neglected.
Chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes should be kept under control.

Op. Dr. Diclehan states that regular eye check-ups, especially in people over the age of 50, are the most important way to ensure early detection.

Advances in Macular Degeneration Treatment in 2025
As of 2025, new generation medications and advanced imaging systems are being used in the treatment of macular degeneration.
Thanks to newly-developed long-acting anti-VEGF medications, patients require injections less frequently, which improves quality of life.
In addition, artificial-intelligence-supported imaging technologies greatly assist doctors in early diagnosis.

Op. Dr. Diclehan emphasizes that these technological advances increase patient compliance with treatment and play a key role in reducing vision loss.

Living with Macular Degeneration
Due to vision loss, this disease may make daily life more difficult. However, with proper treatment and appropriate lifestyle adjustments, a comfortable life is possible.
Magnifying reading glasses, bright lighting, and contrast-adjusted screens can support visual performance.

Op. Dr. Diclehan reminds patients that emotional well-being is as important as medical treatment and that staying hopeful and continuing regular follow-ups leads to better results.

Macular degeneration is a condition that cannot be completely cured at present but can be controlled.
With early diagnosis, the right treatment methods, and regular follow-up, vision loss can largely be prevented.
Modern medicine has shown major advances, especially in wet macular degeneration.

Experienced ophthalmologist Op. Dr. Diclehan provides personalized treatment plans to help preserve vision and emphasizes that early intervention directly affects quality of life in macular degeneration.