What is Wet AMD?
Wet AMD happens when abnormal blood vessels grow underneath the retina and leak fluid or blood into the macula, the part of your eye responsible for sharp central vision. This leaking causes swelling and distortion, and if untreated it can lead to scarring and permanent central vision loss.
Wet AMD makes up only about 10-15% of all macular degeneration cases, but it causes most of the severe vision loss. It usually develops from dry AMD, and it can come on quickly, sometimes over days to weeks. Straight lines looking wavy or bent is often the first sign.
The good news is that wet AMD is treatable, and treatment works best when started early.
What Do I Do About It?
The standard treatment is an injection of medication into the eye. These medications block a protein called VEGF that drives the abnormal vessel growth. Blocking it dries up the fluid and stabilizes or improves vision.
Most people start with monthly injections, then move to longer intervals once the eye is stable. Some newer medications can be spaced out to every 2-4 months. This is ongoing treatment, not a one-time fix, and stopping too early usually allows the fluid to return.
Injections are done in the office and take just a few minutes. The eye is numbed first. Most people describe mild pressure rather than pain.
Between visits:
- Keep using your Amsler grid at home to monitor for changes
- Don’t smoke
- Eat leafy greens and colorful vegetables
- Exercise regularly
- Wear UV-protective sunglasses outdoors
When Should I Call?
Call immediately after an injection if you notice:
- Increasing pain or redness
- Sudden worsening of vision
- A shower of new floaters
These can be signs of infection or another complication that needs urgent attention.
Also call if your vision suddenly worsens or your Amsler grid changes between scheduled visits.