Macular Degeneration & Laser Eye Surgery

Can I Have Laser Eye Surgery if I Have Macular Degeneration?

Macular Degeneration (MD), or Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), is the leading cause of blindness in New Zealand, affecting over 200,000 Kiwis. That’s nearly one in seven people over the age of 50. Understandably, if you’ve been diagnosed with AMD, you may be wondering if Laser Eye Surgery is still an option for you and whether it could help improve your sight.

Let’s explore what this means for your suitability and expectations with laser vision correction.

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The Short Answer: It Depends on Your Vision Goals

Having macular degeneration does not automatically rule you out from having Laser Eye Surgery. However, it's important to understand that:

• Laser Eye Surgery does not treat or cure macular degeneration.
• It also cannot restore central vision lost due to damage in the macula.
• But it may still be a useful option to correct refractive errors, such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or astigmatism and reduce dependence on glasses for some activities.

In other words, while Laser Eye Surgery won’t reverse the effects of AMD, it may still help optimise the vision you do have.

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What Is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a chronic, progressive eye condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for fine detail and colour vision. It typically causes difficulty in reading, recognising faces, and seeing clearly in the centre of your vision field.

There are two main types of AMD:

• Dry AMD (Atrophic): The more common and slower-progressing type, caused by thinning of the macula and accumulation of waste deposits.
• Wet AMD (Neovascular): A more aggressive form, where abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, leaking fluid and causing faster vision loss.

Most people begin with dry AMD, which may or may not progress to wet AMD over time.

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Can Laser Eye Surgery Help with AMD?

Laser Eye Surgery, such as LASIK or SMILE, reshapes the front of the eye (the cornea) to improve how light is focused onto the retina. This improves how well you see without glasses or contact lenses, but it does not affect the retina itself.

Since AMD affects the retina, Laser Eye Surgery cannot prevent, treat, or cure AMD. However, if you’re living with early-stage AMD or dry AMD and have another correctable refractive error, Laser Eye Surgery may still improve your visual comfort in everyday life.

For example:

• You may gain clearer peripheral or side vision.
• You may reduce your reliance on glasses for distance vision.
• It can provide better vision within the limits of your macular function.

Each case is highly individual, which is why a comprehensive consultation with an experienced eye surgeon is crucial.

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Who Is Not Suitable for Laser Eye Surgery?

You may not be a suitable candidate for Laser Eye Surgery if:

• You have advanced (late-stage) macular degeneration.
• Your central vision is severely impaired.
• Your overall eye health or corneal thickness isn’t sufficient.
• You have active or unstable wet AMD, where ongoing injections or other therapies are required.

But don’t worry, there are other advanced options that maybe available for you, including:

• Implantable contact lenses (ICLs)
• Refractive lens exchange (RLE)
• Low vision aids

Your vision specialist will recommend what’s best for your lifestyle and vision needs.

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Can AMD Be Treated?

While there’s no cure for AMD, treatment can slow its progression, especially for wet AMD. Common treatment options include:

• Anti-VEGF injections to block abnormal blood vessel growth.
• Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and managing blood pressure.
• Nutritional supplements, especially those containing lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3s.
• UV protection by wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection can reduce damage from sunlight.

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5 Ways to Lower Your Risk of Macular Degeneration

If you’re concerned about developing AMD or wish to slow its progression, here are five proactive steps you can take:

1. Quit Smoking
   Smoking significantly increases your risk of AMD — in fact, smokers are up to four times more likely to develop the disease.
2. Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure
   High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in your eyes, accelerating macular deterioration.
3. Eat Eye-Healthy Foods
   A diet rich in leafy greens, colourful fruits, and fish high in omega-3 can support long-term eye health.
4. Wear Sunglasses with UV Protection
   In New Zealand’s strong UV environment, this is especially critical. Choose sunglasses with 100% UVA/UVB protection.
5. Schedule Regular Eye Exams
   Early detection is key. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist can monitor changes in your macula and help you manage your risk.

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Final Thoughts: Is Laser Eye Surgery Right for You?

At The Laser Eye Surgery, we’ve helped thousands of Kiwis gain visual freedom, and we believe that every person deserves clear information and personalised care.

If you have AMD and are considering Laser Eye Surgery, we’ll carry out advanced diagnostics to assess your full visual health, including:

• Retinal scans
• Macular OCT imaging
• Corneal mapping
• Refractive assessments

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Ready to Talk to an Expert?

Whether you live in the Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, or Central & Lower North Island, expert laser eye surgery advice is never far away:

Hamilton
New Plymouth
Tauranga
‍Pukekohe
Taupo

With over 35 years of experience in advanced eye care, we’re proud to support every patient in their journey, whether it’s through Laser Eye Surgery or another tailored treatment path.

Let our experienced team evaluate your eye health and determine the safest path forward, together, so book your free vision assessment today and take the first step toward clearer vision, with confidence.

Phone: 0800 733 2020 or book online here

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