Strategies for Managing Wet Macular Degeneration
Wet macular degeneration is the more aggressive form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
It can cause sudden and severe central vision loss — sometimes within weeks or months.
Dr. Andy Rosenfarb explains that while medical treatments like injections are important, they’re not the full answer.
“If we only treat the symptom — the bleeding or swelling — but not the cause, the condition often keeps coming back.”
His approach combines modern ophthalmology with holistic and functional medicine, helping patients preserve sight by addressing the deeper imbalances behind the disease.
Understanding Wet Macular Degeneration
In wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina.
These fragile vessels leak fluid or blood, leading to:
- Macular swelling (edema)
- Scarring and retinal damage
- Distortion and blind spots in central vision
This process is driven by inflammation, oxidative stress, and poor circulation — key areas Dr. Rosenfarb targets in holistic care.
The Root Causes Behind the Disease
According to Dr. Rosenfarb, wet AMD isn’t just a problem of aging or genetics. It’s a metabolic and inflammatory condition that reflects the overall health of the body.
Common contributing factors include:
- Chronic inflammation from diet, stress, or autoimmunity
- Circulatory stagnation and reduced oxygen to the macula
- Toxin buildup from poor liver or lymphatic function
- Oxidative stress damaging retinal tissue
He often tells patients: “We can’t change your age or your genes, but we can absolutely change how your environment, circulation, and inflammation impact your eyes.”
Conventional Treatment: The Role of Injections
Anti-VEGF injections (like Eylea®, Avastin®, or Lucentis®) remain the standard medical treatment.
They suppress abnormal vessel growth and help control swelling.
Dr. Rosenfarb supports their use when appropriate but stresses the importance of combining them with holistic care to get better long-term outcomes.
Holistic Strategies for Managing Wet AMD
Ophthalmic Acupuncture
- Stimulates blood flow to the retina and optic nerve.
- Helps reduce inflammation and fluid buildup.
- Used as part of a 12-week vision restoration protocol at the Eye Health Institute.
Alternating Current Microstimulation (ACS-3000)
- Developed by Dr. Rosenfarb in 2019.
- Uses gentle electrical stimulation to “wake up” sluggish or dormant retinal cells.
- Improves communication between the retina and brain.
Nutritional and Herbal Support
Dr. Rosenfarb integrates functional nutrition and targeted supplementation to address systemic inflammation and oxidative stress.
Key nutrients include:
- Lutein & Zeaxanthin – protect macular pigment
- Omega-3s (DHA/EPA) – support retinal membranes
- Glutathione – detoxifies and reduces oxidative damage
- Curcumin & Ginkgo Biloba – enhance circulation and reduce inflammation
Functional Medicine and Lifestyle Care
Holistic management means identifying and correcting underlying imbalances.
- Gut health: Repairing leaky gut and microbiome issues reduces systemic inflammation.
- Diet: Anti-inflammatory, Mediterranean-style nutrition helps stabilize blood sugar and vascular health.
- Stress reduction: Chronic stress drives inflammation and worsens macular degeneration.
- Exercise and movement: Improve oxygenation and microcirculation to the eyes.
Complementary Therapies Dr. Rosenfarb Uses
| Therapy | Purpose | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Ophthalmic Acupuncture | Circulation & inflammation | Supports retinal repair |
| ACS-3000 Microstimulation | Cellular activation | Improves visual function |
| Herbal Medicine | Antioxidant & detox support | Reduces oxidative stress |
| Nutrition Therapy | Systemic balance | Stabilizes macular health |
These approaches are tailored to each patient, depending on disease severity, inflammation markers, and overall constitution.
The Holistic Difference
Whereas conventional medicine focuses on stopping leakage, holistic ophthalmology works to restore balance in the body.
The two approaches complement each other perfectly:
- Medical treatment handles the emergency.
- Holistic treatment supports long-term healing and stability.
“Our goal is not just to stop the bleeding,” Dr. Rosenfarb says, “but to strengthen the whole system so it doesn’t keep happening.”
Next Steps
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with wet macular degeneration:
- Learn more about Dr. Rosenfarb’s holistic macular treatments.
- Learn more about in office treatment with Dr. Rosenfarb.
- Schedule a Telehealth consultation with Dr. Rosenfarb to begin a personalized care plan.