Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

What is Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Wet age-related macular degeneration usually develops in people who’ve previously had dry AMD. It can cause a very sudden change in your central vision, often affecting just one eye. If you notice anything unusual, such as straight lines appearing wavy (known as visual distortion) or blurring in the centre of your vision, it’s really important to contact an optometrist as soon as possible.

What is Age-related macular degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration, often called AMD, is a common condition that affects the macula. This is a small but important part of the retina – the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye – located at its centre. AMD is usually associated with ageing and most often affects people over 65. There are two types, dry AMD and wet AMD, which can affect your vision in different ways.

What causes Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

Wet AMD develops when new blood vessels grow beneath the retina. These vessels can leak fluid, which collects within the retina, causing damage and affecting your vision. This is why changes in your sight tend to happen more quickly with wet AMD than with dry AMD.

How is Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treated?

Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can be treated with injections of a medicine called anti-VEGF. VEGF stands for vascular endothelial growth factor, a protein that helps new blood vessels develop. In wet AMD, it encourages abnormal blood vessels to grow beneath the retina, where they can leak fluid and damage your central vision. Anti-VEGF medicines block the action of this protein, helping to reduce leakage and slow the growth of these blood vessels. The aim is to keep your vision stable and prevent further sight loss. Some people also find that their vision improves, although this isn’t guaranteed.

We usually give these injections as a quick day procedure in our clinics, so you can go home afterwards. Before treatment, your eye is cleaned and numbing drops are used to make the procedure more comfortable. The medicine is then given into your eye using a very fine needle – this is what ‘intravitreal injection’ means. You’ll usually need a course of injections and regular check-ups to see how your eye is responding. Your eye care team will explain how often you need treatment, as this varies from person to person. Afterwards, your eye may feel a little gritty for a day or two, and you may notice some redness that takes longer to settle. We’ll explain how to look after your eye and whether you need any drops between appointments. If you develop increasing pain or redness, or your vision gets worse, contact your eye care team urgently.

We’ll also use drops to widen your pupils during your appointment. These can temporarily blur your vision, so please arrange for someone to take you to and from your AMD appointments rather than driving yourself. Your eye care team will advise you when it’s safe to drive again.