Wet AMD: Causes, Treatments, and What You Need to Know

When you hear wet AMD, a progressive eye disease that damages the macula through abnormal blood vessel growth. Also known as neovascular age-related macular degeneration, it’s the leading cause of sudden, severe vision loss in people over 60. Unlike the dry form, which progresses slowly, wet AMD acts fast—sometimes blurring central vision in weeks. It happens when fragile new blood vessels grow under the retina, leak fluid or blood, and scar the macula, the part of your eye responsible for sharp, detailed sight.

This isn’t just about blurry reading. People with wet AMD often notice straight lines looking wavy, dark spots in the center of their vision, or colors seeming duller. These aren’t normal aging changes. They’re warning signs. And the good news? Treatment can stop or even reverse damage if caught early. The main weapon against wet AMD is anti-VEGF injections, medications injected directly into the eye to block the protein that fuels abnormal blood vessel growth. Drugs like Lucentis, Eylea, and Avastin are used regularly, often monthly at first, then spaced out. Many patients keep their vision stable for years with this approach. But it’s not a cure. It’s ongoing management.

What makes wet AMD tricky is how easily it’s missed. People assume it’s just old eyes or tiredness. But early detection through regular eye exams—even if you think your vision is fine—is critical. Tools like the Amsler grid help catch distortions at home, but only an ophthalmologist can confirm it with an OCT scan. And while injections are the standard, newer options like longer-acting drugs and implantable devices are giving people fewer clinic visits. Some patients even explore lifestyle changes—quitting smoking, eating leafy greens, taking AREDS2 supplements—to slow progression alongside medical treatment.

You won’t find magic cures here. But you will find real talk about what works, what doesn’t, and how people actually live with this condition. The posts below cover everything from managing side effects of injections to understanding why some treatments fail, how insurance affects access, and what to do when vision changes suddenly. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, caring for someone who is, or just trying to understand the science behind the treatment, this collection gives you the facts without the fluff.