The mainstays for slowing it are AREDS2 supplements — vitamins and antioxidants that reduce progression risk — plus lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and eating a healthy diet.
For advanced dry AMD with geographic atrophy, two FDA-approved eye injections slow lesion growth by about 20%: Syfovre (pegcetacoplan)**, a C3 inhibitor, and Izervay (avacincaptad pegol), a C5 inhibitor.
They don’t improve vision or stop the disease entirely, but recent data shows earlier treatment protects more healthy retinal tissue.
A newer option is the “Valeda Light Delivery System” from Alcon — it’s a non-invasive photobiomodulation treatment using specific wavelengths of light. It improves visual acuity by about 3 extra letters on an eye chart compared to sham treatment, with benefits lasting up to 24 months or longer when repeated. Treatments are quick sessions over a few weeks, then every few months.
There’s a lot in the pipeline too — things like gene therapies, stem cell transplants showing early vision gains, oral pills, and other targeted drugs in phase 3 trials. Results from stem cell work and some gene therapies look promising for restoring function in advanced cases.
This field is moving fast — talk to a retina specialist for what fits your specific stage.
Click Here to Learn How To Safely and Naturally Save Your Sight