Abstract: Radiation therapies and applicators are provided by this invention which are useful in the treatment of macular degeneration in patients. The therapies include providing an applicator sized to fit between a sclera and an eye socket of the patient. A therapeutic quantity of a radioactive substance is disposed in the distal tip of the applicator. This substance has a range of no greater than about 1 cm, or alternatively, is made from Sr.sub.90. The method includes exposing a portion of the macular tissue of the patient to radiation emitted from the radioactive substance for a time sufficient to fuse a portion of the capillaries located within the neovascular tissue which are responsible for the disease. The therapy is designed to burn off unwanted capillaries and debris without substantially interfering with other important tissues in the patient's eye, such as the lens or optic disc.