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Q: Is there a cure for macular degeneration? If not, what can I do to prevent it from getting worse? Will my children get it? What causes it in the first place? Could I have prevented it by doing something earlier in life? (I am 78.)
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Don Carl Bienfang, M.D, is an assistant professor of ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School and the director of neuro-ophthalmology and senior surgeon of the Department of Ophthalmology at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

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May 06, 2009
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A:

The answer very much depends on what type of macular degeneration you have.

The "dry" form is usually milder. It can be helped at a very specific stage by the AREDS vitamin supplement formula and fish oil.

The "wet" form is usually more disabling. It does have some treatment options using injections into the eye.

The cause of the condition is unknown. Smoking is the biggest risk factor. So if you smoke, you should stop.

There is a slightly higher risk of getting macular degeneration if one parent has it.

Usually, if age-related macular degeneration is severe enough, a retina specialist manages the care. It sounds like you need to see one.

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