TCM Treatment for Macular Degeneration
The most common treatment principle for treating eye diseases in Chinese medicine is to nourish the kidney and spleen in order to replenish the vital qi and blood. Addressing the causative root would be to nourish the spleen and strengthening the kidneys. Then activate the blood circulation in order to resolve blood stagnation is treating the branch or giving a temporary solution.
ARMD (wet and dry) is often seen as yin exhaustion within the body. The yin-aspect of the vision is the central vision, where the peripheral vision is seen as more yang. When the central vision begins to deteriorate, it is seen as a depletion or "burn-out" of kidney and liver yin. Using yin nourishing Chinese herbs work very effectively.
Treatment in Western Medicine:
Currently, there are no medical treatments available for dry macular degeneration. However, because it usually progresses slowly, many people with the dry form can live relatively normal and productive lives, especially if only one eye is affected. Several medical treatments are available for wet macular degeneration, although none can cure the condition. The aim of these treatments is to stabilise and maintain existing vision for as long as possible. In some cases, vision can improve. Treatments for wet macular degeneration include:
Photodynamic therapy
This procedure involves using light to activate a medication that is injected into the arm and travels to blood vessels in the eye. Once activated the medication causes abnormal blood vessels in the eye to close and stop leaking.
Photocoagulation
In certain situations, a high-energy laser beam can be used to destroy and seal leaking blood vessels under the macula.
Medications
Drugs called anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents can help stop the growth and leaking of new blood vessels in the retina. These drugs are injected directly into the eye. Anti-VEGF drugs available in New Zealand include bevacizumab (Avastin), ranibizumab (Lucentis), and aflibercept (Eylea).