But in 10 percent to 15 percent of cases it progresses to the wet form, in which abnormal, leaky blood vessels proliferate in the retina, creating a central blind spot. N.J. The earlier that macular degeneration is caught, the better the chance of arresting the disease. If you have the aggressive, wet form of the disease, which can impair vision within weeks or months, an eye surgeon may try to seal the leaky blood vessels with a laser as a temporary measure. A new option, called photodynamic therapy, combines a low-power laser with an injectable drug that attacks the vessels when activated by the laser. Doctors are also testing surgical procedures that either remove the faulty blood vessels or transplant fresh cells into the damaged retina.
Drug treatments are in the works, too.
The Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing Your Sight. Macular degeneration patients face more than physical obstacles, though. Most need time to mourn their lost eyesight. WHAT TO LOOK FOR Warnings. Signs of macular degeneration include blurred vision, skewed depth perception, difficulty with color and light contrasts, and glare sensitivity.