By Lylas G. Mogk, M.D., Updated by Sefy Paulose, M.D.,March. 2022

Treatments

In wet (neovascular/exudative) age-related macular degeneration (AMD), abnormal blood vessels develop under the macula and break, bleed, and leak fluid. This damages the macula and, if left untreated, can result in rapid and severe loss of central vision.

Targeting Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)

The most effective treatments to date for wet AMD are medications that target the protein that causes the abnormal blood vessels to form, Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein produced by damaged retina that causes the production of abnormal blood vessels. However, these blood vessels damage your eye more by causing worsening swelling, bleeding and can cause scars that can pull on your retina and cause a retinal detachment.

Injections

In these cases, your doctor may treat you with an injection of anti-VEGF medicine. Anti-VEGF medicine blocks VEGF which prevents the growth of new blood vessels in the eye. Although the main role of anti-VEGF injections is to prevent your vision from getting worse, this medication can sometimes improve your vision. There are three types of anti-VEGF medications that your ophthalmologist may give you – Avastin, Lucentis and Eylea.

Laser

In some scenarios of very aggressive wet AMD, your doctor may also recommend laser treatment called photodynamic therapy (cold laser). The purpose of this laser is to slow down progression Although this laser does not prevent significant vision loss, it may be used in some rare instances of exudative AMD.

Surgical

If there is still concern for worsening wet AMD, your doctor may suggest a surgical treatment. However, these surgical procedures were developed prior to the invention of anti-VEGF treatments. For the most part, these surgical treatments are rarely used.

Deanne Jackson: From Despair to Hope with Wet Macular Degeneration

head shot of Deanne Jackson Deanne Jackson was “emotionally devastated” after receiving a diagnosis of macular degeneration, believing that her independent life was over. “When I got home after I’d heard the news that I had wet macular degeneration in my left eye with 20/400 vision, it was like an overnight devastation. I thought my life was over, because I am very independent. I take care of myself and my family.” Listen to Deanne’s story and learn how she realized the importance of reaching out for help as she learned to cope with her diagnosis and the many changes in her everyday life. The Getting Started 2020: A Guide for People New to Vision Loss – VisionAware can give you more ideas about how to live well with low vision.