Wet AMD Treatments: Options, Effectiveness, and Long-Term Outlook

Learn about treatments for wet age-related macular degeneration, their effectiveness, and what to expect for your long-term eye health and vision.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 26, 2025

Learn about treatments for wet age-related macular degeneration, their effectiveness, and what to expect for your long-term eye health and vision.

Understanding Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye disease that impairs central vision and can dramatically affect daily life. It is known for being the more severe and rapidly progressing form of late-stage macular degeneration, with abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina causing leakage, bleeding, and scarring.

Wet AMD may cause rapid vision loss, especially if not treated promptly.
Symptoms include blurred or wavy central vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, and a central dark spot in your visual field.
Early detection and timely treatment are crucial for preserving vision.

Overview of Wet AMD Treatments

Although there is currently no cure for wet AMD, several effective treatments are available to slow its progression, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life. The main goals of treatment are to stop or slow the growth of the abnormal blood vessels and to prevent further vision loss.

Anti-VEGF injections: The most widely used and effective treatment.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT): Used in some cases when anti-VEGF is less effective or not suitable.
Emerging therapies: Novel drugs, dual-action medications, and innovative delivery systems are in development or early use.

What Are Anti-VEGF Injections?

Anti-VEGF therapy targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that stimulates abnormal blood vessel growth in wet AMD. By inhibiting VEGF, these medications reduce leakage, bleeding, and swelling in the retina.

Given as an injection directly into the affected eye.
Helps stabilize or improve vision for many people with wet AMD.
Treatment is usually ongoing, with injections every 4–16 weeks depending on the specific medication and patient response.
The procedure typically involves numbing the eye, cleaning it to prevent infection, and administering the medication through a very fine needle.

Common Anti-VEGF Medications for Wet AMD

Medication	Brand Name	Frequency	Notable Features
Ranibizumab	Lucentis	Every 4 weeks	First approved anti-VEGF for wet AMD
Aflibercept	Eylea	Every 8 weeks (or 8–16 weeks for higher doses)	Longer-acting than Lucentis; flexibility in dosing
Bevacizumab	Avastin	Every 4 weeks	Used “off-label”; initially developed for cancer
Brolucizumab	Beovu	Every 12 weeks	Long-acting; may further reduce injection frequency
Faricimab	Vabysmo	Every 12–16 weeks	First dual-action drug, targets VEGF and Ang-2 pathways

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Photodynamic therapy is another option for treating wet AMD, especially in cases where anti-VEGF injections are not suitable or effective. PDT involves injecting a light-sensitive drug (verteporfin) into the bloodstream, which is then activated by shining a special laser into the eye to selectively target abnormal blood vessels.

Can reduce or stop leakage from the abnormal blood vessels.
May be used in combination with anti-VEGF injections.
Is less commonly used today due to the success of anti-VEGF therapy but remains a valuable adjunct in some cases.

Combination and Adjunctive Therapies

Sometimes, different therapies might be combined or alternated, such as using anti-VEGF injections alongside photodynamic therapy. The aim is to achieve better control over the abnormal blood vessels and reduce the frequency of treatments. Ongoing research is investigating the most effective combinations and sequences for optimal visual outcomes.

What to Expect During Treatment

Initial phase: Most patients require more frequent injections (typically every 4 weeks) to stabilize the disease.
Maintenance phase: If the treatment responds well, the frequency of injections can often be reduced (e.g., every 8–16 weeks for some drugs).
Assessment: Your eye specialist will regularly monitor your vision and retinal health with imaging tests (like OCT and fluorescein angiography) to adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Ongoing care: Injections may be required indefinitely to maintain control of the disease, though some patients achieve periods of stability without active treatment.

Safety and Side Effects

Most anti-VEGF treatments are considered safe and are performed in an outpatient setting. However, all procedures carry some risks.

Mild discomfort, redness, and soreness after injection are common and usually temporary.
Rare complications include infection (endophthalmitis), increased eye pressure, retinal detachment, or bleeding.
Long-term treatment may be associated with increased burden due to frequent clinic visits and injections.

Emerging and Future Treatments for Wet AMD

Research into improved therapies for wet AMD is ongoing. New drugs and delivery systems offer hope for more convenient and effective management. Some exciting advances include:

Longer-acting anti-VEGF agents: Medications like faricimab (Vabysmo) allow more time between injections, reducing treatment burden.
Dual-action drugs: Targeting multiple pathways involved in abnormal vessel growth, such as VEGF and Ang-2, to improve outcomes and extend dosing intervals.
Sustained-release implants and gene therapies: Under development to minimize the need for frequent injections and maintain therapeutic levels for several months or even longer.
Radiation therapy and combination approaches: Some studies are looking at combining anti-VEGF therapy with targeted radiation to further inhibit vessel growth and reduce recurrence.

Limitations and Challenges of Current Treatments

Treatment burden: The need for ongoing, repeated injections can be challenging for many patients, especially the elderly or those with mobility issues.
Variable response: Not all patients respond equally to current therapies, and some may experience continued vision loss despite treatment.
Cost: The financial cost of ongoing treatments can be significant, particularly if not fully covered by insurance or health systems.
No cure: Current treatments can slow or halt progression but cannot reverse damage or fully restore lost vision.

Long-Term Outlook for People with Wet AMD

With prompt and ongoing treatment, most individuals with wet AMD can maintain useful vision and continue many normal daily activities. However, the outcome depends on several factors:

How early the disease is detected and treated.
Response to therapy—some regain vision, most stabilize, and a minority continue to lose central sight.
Consistency in follow-up and receiving all recommended injections.
Growth of new abnormal vessels or scarring that may reduce vision over time despite best efforts.

If wet AMD is left untreated, rapid and irreversible vision loss is likely. The key is to act quickly if any new vision changes are noticed.

Managing Vision Loss and Quality of Life

For those who experience significant vision loss, a range of support and resources can help enhance safety, independence, and well-being:

Low vision aids: Magnifiers, large-print materials, and electronic devices can maximize remaining sight.
Rehabilitation services: Occupational therapy and training for activities of daily living.
Emotional support: Counseling, support groups, and patient organizations can provide valuable assistance.
Environmental adaptations: Improved lighting, high-contrast settings, and decluttered living spaces enhance safety and usability.

Dietary Supplements and Lifestyle Changes

While supplements do not replace medical treatment for wet AMD, certain dietary vitamins and minerals (such as those studied in the AREDS2 formulation) may benefit individuals with intermediate AMD or as an adjunct to therapy. These include:

Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Zinc
Copper
Lutein and zeaxanthin

It’s important to discuss any supplements with your treating eye specialist, as not all are appropriate for every patient. In addition, healthy lifestyle habits—coping with chronic conditions, regular exercise, a nutrient-rich diet, and protecting eyes from ultraviolet light—may help promote overall eye health and slow AMD progression.

FAQs About Wet AMD Treatments and Prognosis

What is the main treatment for wet AMD?

The mainstay of wet AMD management is anti-VEGF injections, which slow or stop abnormal blood vessel growth and reduce leakage, often stabilizing or improving vision.

How often do I need anti-VEGF injections?

Initially, injections are typically given every 4 weeks. Depending on the medication used and your individual response, the interval may be extended to 8–16 weeks with some long-acting drugs.

Is photodynamic therapy still used for wet AMD?

Photodynamic therapy is less common today but is still used in certain cases, often when anti-VEGF therapy is insufficient or contraindicated.

Can wet AMD be cured?

There is no cure for wet AMD, but current treatments can slow disease progression, reduce symptoms, and help preserve vision for as long as possible.

What happens if wet AMD is not treated?

Without treatment, wet AMD can lead to rapid, permanent, and severe central vision loss.

Are there new treatments on the horizon for wet AMD?

Yes. Research is ongoing into longer-acting medications, sustained-release implants, gene therapies, and combination approaches that aim to reduce treatment burden and improve long-term outcomes.

What should I do if I notice new vision changes?

Contact your eye care specialist immediately. Early detection and prompt treatment provide the best chance of preserving vision in wet AMD.

When to Seek Help and What to Ask Your Eye Doctor

If you experience sudden changes in vision, blurred or wavy sight, or new blind spots, seek prompt assessment from an eye care professional. Early intervention offers the best results.

Ask about which treatment options are most appropriate for your type and stage of wet AMD.
Discuss the pros and cons of available treatments, the frequency and duration of therapy, and possible side effects.
Inquire about ongoing research studies or clinical trials that may be suitable.
Talk about lifestyle adaptations, low-vision support, and supplemental nutrition as part of your holistic care plan.

Summary

Wet AMD is a leading cause of central vision loss in older adults, but advances in anti-VEGF therapy and emerging treatments mean that timely care can make a significant difference in preserving sight and quality of life. Stay proactive with regular eye exams, follow your doctor’s recommendations closely, and reach out for support when needed to manage the challenges of living with wet AMD.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete