Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Also known as neovascular AMD, Wet AMD is an advanced form of Age-Related Macular Degeneration that affects the macula, the central area of the retina responsible for detailed vision.
Understanding Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD), also known as neovascular AMD, is an advanced form of Age-Related Macular Degeneration that affects the macula, the central area of the retina responsible for detailed vision.
Unlike Dry AMD, which develops gradually through the degeneration of retinal cells, Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina. These fragile blood vessels can leak fluid or blood, causing damage to the macula and leading to rapid changes in central vision.
Wet AMD is less common than Dry AMD but is responsible for a large proportion of severe vision loss associated with AMD. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, it can cause significant and permanent central vision impairment.
The development of anti-VEGF therapies has transformed the management of Wet AMD. These treatments can slow disease progression, reduce retinal swelling, and help many people preserve their vision when treatment begins early.
Retina International works with people affected by AMD, patient organisations, researchers, clinicians, and healthcare partners worldwide to improve awareness, support access to timely diagnosis and treatment, and ensure that patient experiences guide research and innovation.
What is Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Wet AMD is a form of Age-Related Macular Degeneration where abnormal blood vessels develop beneath the retina in a process called choroidal neovascularisation (CNV).
These abnormal blood vessels grow from a layer beneath the retina called the choroid. Because they are fragile and unstable, they may leak:
- Fluid
- Blood
- Proteins
This leakage can cause swelling and damage to the macula, affecting central vision.
The macula is responsible for:
- Reading
- Recognising faces
- Seeing fine details
- Driving
- Performing close-up activities
When the macula is damaged, central vision may become blurred, distorted, or incomplete.
Wet AMD can develop in people who previously had Dry AMD, but it can also occur without obvious earlier symptoms.
Over 50
Wet AMD most commonly affects people over the age of 50, with risk increasing with age.
1 main treatment
Anti-VEGF injections are the primary treatment for Wet AMD and can help reduce leakage and preserve vision.
Rapid vision changes
Wet AMD can cause sudden distortion, blurred central vision, or blind spots, making urgent assessment important.
How Wet AMD can affect vision
Distorted vision
Straight lines may appear:
- Bent
- Wavy
- Broken
This is often one of the earliest warning signs.
Blurred central vision
Objects may appear unclear, affecting reading and recognising faces.
Dark or empty areas in vision
A blind spot may develop in the centre of vision.
Difficulty reading or seeing detail
Fine visual tasks may become increasingly difficult.
Reduced colour perception
Some people notice changes in how colours appear.
Sudden changes in vision
Any rapid change in central vision should be assessed urgently, as early treatment can help protect remaining sight.
Identifying Wet AMD
Eye examination
An ophthalmologist examines the retina for signs of abnormal blood vessel growth, bleeding, or swelling.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
OCT provides detailed images of retinal layers and helps clinicians monitor:
- Retinal structure
- Photoreceptor changes
- Progression over time
Fundus photography
OCT is one of the most important tools for diagnosing and monitoring Wet AMD.
It provides detailed images of retinal layers and can identify:
- Fluid accumulation
- Retinal swelling
- Changes in disease activity
Fundus photography
Retinal photographs help document changes over time.
Fluorescein angiography
This imaging test uses a dye injected into the bloodstream to highlight abnormal blood vessels and areas of leakage.
OCT Angiography (OCTA)
OCTA provides detailed images of retinal blood vessels without requiring dye injection and can help identify abnormal vessel growth.
Regular monitoring is essential because Wet AMD can become active again after treatment.
Supporting independence
Anti-VEGF Therapy
The primary treatment for Wet AMD is anti-VEGF medication.
VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) is a protein that promotes abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage.
Anti-VEGF medicines work by blocking VEGF activity, helping to:
- Reduce fluid leakage
- Control abnormal blood vessel growth
- Stabilise or improve vision
Treatment is usually delivered through injections into the eye.
Treatment schedules
Treatment plans vary between individuals and may involve:
- Regular injections
- Monitoring visits
- Treat-and-extend approaches, where treatment intervals are adjusted based on disease activity
Laser and other treatments
Historically, laser treatments were used for some forms of Wet AMD. Today, anti-VEGF therapy is the standard treatment for most people.
Vision rehabilitation
Even with treatment, some people experience lasting vision changes.
Support may include:
- Low vision services
- Magnification devices
- Accessible technology
- Rehabilitation programmes
Supporting independence, and participation
A diagnosis of Wet AMD can be life-changing, particularly when vision changes occur quickly. However, effective treatment and support can help many people maintain independence and quality of life.
People living with Wet AMD may benefit from:
- Attending regular eye appointments
- Following treatment schedules
- Monitoring vision changes
- Using assistive technologies
- Accessing low vision support
The emotional impact of vision loss is also important. Many people benefit from:
- Peer support
- Patient organisations
- Counselling services
- Community connections
Patient experiences play an important role in shaping research priorities, treatment development, and healthcare improvements.
Advancing the future of Wet AMD treatment
Longer-lasting treatments
Researchers are developing therapies that may reduce the frequency of eye injections while maintaining effectiveness.
Learn About ResearchGene therapy
Gene-based approaches are being explored as potential long-term treatments that may provide sustained therapeutic effects.
Learn About Gene therapyAdvanced imaging
Improved retinal imaging technologies allow clinicians to detect subtle changes and personalise treatment decisions.
Learn About Advanced imagingClinical trials
Ongoing clinical trials are evaluating new medicines, delivery methods, and treatment approaches.
Patient participation in research remains essential to developing treatments that improve outcomes and quality of life.
Learn About Clinical trialsArtificial intelligence and imaging
AI tools are being developed to support:
- Earlier detection
- Disease monitoring
- Prediction of treatment response
Information and community support
Take the Next Step
Wet AMD is a sight-threatening retinal condition, but advances in diagnosis and treatment have transformed outcomes for many people.
Early recognition, prompt treatment, ongoing monitoring, and continued research are helping more people preserve their vision and maintain independence.
Through collaboration between patients, researchers, clinicians, and communities worldwide, Retina International continues to support progress towards a future where retinal conditions are better understood, better treated, and more effectively managed.
