Searching for macular degeneration treatment near you in Oregon? Whether you’ve been newly diagnosed with wet AMD, dry AMD, or geographic atrophy — or you’re worried about a parent who has — here’s what Oregon patients need to know about modern AMD treatment and where to find expert retina care close to home.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe central vision loss in adults over age 60 in the United States. The good news: AMD has never been more treatable than it is today. Two decades ago, a wet AMD diagnosis often meant rapid and permanent central vision loss. Now, anti-VEGF injections preserve sight for the vast majority of patients, and for the first time in history, we have FDA-approved treatments that can slow the progression of geographic atrophy in dry AMD.
What is macular degeneration, briefly?
The macula is the small, central part of the retina that gives you sharp, detailed vision — the part you use to read, drive, recognize faces, and see fine detail. In AMD, the macula slowly deteriorates over years to decades, leading to central vision loss while peripheral vision typically remains intact.
AMD comes in two main forms:
- Dry AMD (atrophic) — accounts for about 85–90% of cases. Progresses slowly. Minimal in the beginning, it can progress to requiring treatment. Includes a late-stage form called geographic atrophy.
- Wet AMD (neovascular or exudative) — accounts for 10–15% of cases. Caused by abnormal blood vessels growing under the retina and leaking. Progresses much faster and is the form most likely to cause sudden vision loss.
Treatment for wet AMD: anti-VEGF injections
Wet AMD treatment is built around a class of medications called anti-VEGF agents — proteins that block vascular endothelial growth factor, the molecule that drives the abnormal blood vessel growth. The major medications used in 2026 include:
- Aflibercept (Eylea, Eylea HD, Pavblu) — a workhorse anti-VEGF agent, with the high-dose 8 mg formulation now extending the interval between injections for many patients.
- Faricimab (Vabysmo) — a dual-action drug that blocks both VEGF and Ang-2, often allowing longer intervals between treatments.
- Ranibizumab (Lucentis, biosimilars) — the original FDA-approved anti-VEGF for wet AMD.
- Bevacizumab (Avastin) — used off-label, highly effective, and inexpensive.
These medications are delivered as a brief in-office injection into the eye. Most patients describe it as far less unpleasant than they expected. The schedule depends on how aggressive the disease is and how the eye responds — typically every 4 to 12 weeks, individualized over time using a “treat and extend” strategy.
The outcome: in 2026, the majority of wet AMD patients who start treatment early and stay on schedule maintain or improve their central vision. That is a dramatic change from the pre-anti-VEGF era.
Treatment for dry AMD and geographic atrophy
For decades, “treatment” of dry AMD meant nutritional supplements and monitoring. That changed in 2023 with the FDA approval of two new drugs for geographic atrophy, the advanced form of dry AMD:
- Pegcetacoplan (Syfovre) — an in-eye injection that slows the growth of geographic atrophy lesions over time.
- Avacincaptad pegol (Izervay) — another in-eye injection that targets the complement system to slow GA progression.
Neither drug reverses geographic atrophy or restores vision that has already been lost. What they do is slow further damage — which, for the right patient, is significant. Whether to start one of these treatments is a personalized decision based on the rate of GA progression, the size and location of the lesions, the patient’s overall health, and a careful discussion of risks (including a small but real risk of new-onset wet AMD with Syfovre).
For earlier-stage dry AMD without geographic atrophy, the cornerstone of management remains:
- AREDS2-formula vitamin and mineral supplements (for the right intermediate-stage patients)
- Smoking cessation (smoking is one of the strongest modifiable AMD risk factors)
- A Mediterranean-style diet rich in leafy greens, fish, and colorful produce
- Blood pressure and cardiovascular health management
- Regular dilated retinal exams to detect progression early — particularly to catch wet AMD if it develops
Symptoms that should prompt an appointment
If you are over 50 — or have a family history of AMD — be alert for:
- Straight lines (door frames, telephone poles, lined paper) appearing wavy or distorted in one eye
- A dim, smudgy, or missing spot in the center of your vision
- Difficulty recognizing faces or reading even with your usual glasses
- Colors looking less vivid
- The need for noticeably brighter light to read or see detail
Sudden onset of wavy vision in one eye is the classic warning sign of newly active wet AMD, and it should be evaluated by a retina specialist within a few days at most.
Macular degeneration treatment near you in Oregon
Oregon patients searching for macular degeneration care want what every patient wants: a board-certified retina specialist, modern treatment options, easy access to follow-up, and an office that handles the insurance and authorization paperwork so the patient can focus on care.
Retina Care has clinic locations in Eugene, Salem, and Roseburg, Cottage Grove, Florence, Coos Bay, Bandon, and Coquille. We serving patients across the Willamette Valley, Lane County, Marion County, Douglas County, and the Oregon Coast. We offer:
- Comprehensive AMD evaluations including OCT, OCT-angiography, fundus photography, and fundus autofluorescence
- All FDA-approved anti-VEGF medications for wet AMD, including Eylea, Eylea HD, Vabysmo, Lucentis, and Avastin
- FDA-approved geographic atrophy treatments (Syfovre and Izervay) for appropriate candidates
- “Treat and extend” individualized injection schedules to minimize the number of visits while maximizing vision outcomes
- Co-management with referring optometrists and primary care physicians throughout the region
What to expect at your first AMD appointment
Plan on about 90 minutes for a complete first visit, which are usually a bit longer than your ongoing appointments. Your eyes will be dilated, so consider if you might want a driver if light sensitivity bothers you. You’ll have a thorough discussion with the retina specialist about your symptoms and family history, followed by retinal imaging (typically OCT scans and photographs), a careful dilated exam, and a detailed conversation about findings and recommendations. If a treatment is needed, the first injection can often be performed the same day in many cases.
Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicare Advantage and OHP cover AMD evaluation and treatment. Our office handles insurance verification, prior authorizations, and copay assistance program enrollments where applicable.
The bottom line
Macular degeneration treatment in 2026 is dramatically more effective than it was even a decade ago. Wet AMD is highly treatable, geographic atrophy now has approved therapies, and earlier-stage dry AMD can often be slowed with lifestyle measures and the right supplements. The single most important factor in good outcomes is getting evaluated early and starting treatment promptly when indicated.
If you or a loved one has been told you have AMD — or if you’re noticing wavy or smudged central vision — don’t wait. Oregon patients have access to modern, effective retinal care without leaving the state.
At Retina Care retinal specialist Peter Karth, MD, MBA, FASRS, FACS is happy to help you with your retina concerns. Please call 541-873-8462 to schedule an appointment at a location near you.