Wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) is a serious eye condition that causes central vision loss. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macular, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision, and leak fluid or blood. This damages the macula, leading to rapid and severe vision impairment.
While it represents only about 10% of all AMD cases, wet AMD accounts for the majority of AMD-related blindness. Understanding the symptoms, risks, and treatment options is crucial for preserving your eyesight and maintaining quality of life.
What Is Wet AMD?
Wet AMD is one of two types of age-related macular degeneration, the other being the more common and slower-progressing dry AMD. In wet AMD, new blood vessels grow beneath the retina in a process called choroidal neovascularization. These vessels are fragile and leak fluid or blood, damaging retinal cells and distorting vision.
Getting treatment for macular degeneration as early as possible can help slow or even halt vision loss. Without proper care, central vision loss may worsen rapidly, affecting your ability to read, drive, or recognize faces.
Wet AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration) Symptoms
Wet AMD symptoms often develop suddenly and can progress quickly. Central vision becomes blurry or distorted, while peripheral vision typically remains unaffected. Early symptoms can be subtle, so regular eye exams are critical, especially for adults over 60.
Here are the common signs and symptoms of wet AMD:
- Blurry or fuzzy central vision – Straight lines may appear wavy or bent, a condition called metamorphopsia.
- Dark or blind spots in the center of vision – These areas may grow larger over time without treatment.
- Difficulty reading or recognizing faces – Central vision loss makes it hard to see details clearly.
- Rapid worsening of visual clarity – Unlike dry AMD, wet AMD can deteriorate vision within weeks or months.
- Need for brighter light when reading – A subtle early sign of macular damage.
- Colors appear less vivid – You may notice a dulling of colors or contrast.
Causes and Risk Factors of Wet AMD
While the exact cause of wet AMD isn’t fully understood, it is strongly linked to aging and damage to the macula. Genetics and lifestyle factors also play a significant role. Understanding your risk factors can help you take steps to reduce your chances of developing this vision-threatening disease.
Here are the main causes and risk factors for wet AMD:
- Age over 60 – The risk increases significantly as you age.
- Family history of AMD – A strong genetic component influences susceptibility.
- Smoking – Doubles the risk of developing AMD due to damage to retinal blood vessels.
- Obesity and poor diet – Lacking nutrients like antioxidants and omega-3s may increase risk.
- High blood pressure or cardiovascular disease – These conditions reduce healthy blood flow to the retina.
- Prolonged UV exposure – Excessive sun exposure without protection may increase retinal damage.
- Dry AMD – People with dry AMD are at risk of it progressing to wet AMD.
How Is Wet AMD Diagnosed?
Early diagnosis is essential for preventing serious vision loss. If you’re experiencing symptoms of wet AMD, your eye doctor will perform a detailed examination using specialized imaging tools to detect fluid, bleeding, or abnormal vessels in the retina.
Common diagnostic methods for wet AMD include:
- Dilated eye exam – Allows a clear view of the retina and macula.
- Amsler grid test – Helps detect distorted or missing vision in the central field.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Creates cross-sectional images of the retina to reveal swelling or fluid.
- Fluorescein angiography – A dye test that maps out abnormal blood vessels in the retina.
Wet AMD Treatment
While there is no cure for wet AMD, prompt treatment can help preserve vision and prevent further damage. Most treatments aim to stop or slow the growth of abnormal blood vessels and reduce leakage into the retina.
Here are the most effective treatment options for wet AMD:
- Anti-VEGF injections – The most common treatment, these medications (like Lucentis, Eylea, or Avastin) block a protein that causes abnormal vessel growth.
- Photodynamic therapy – A special drug is activated by light to seal off leaking vessels.
- Laser photocoagulation – A high-energy laser seals abnormal blood vessels, though this is used less frequently today.
- Nutritional support – Supplements with vitamins C, E, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin may support retinal health.
Regular treatment is often needed to maintain results, especially with anti-VEGF injections, which are typically administered every 4–8 weeks.
Can Wet AMD Be Prevented?
While you can’t completely prevent wet AMD, you can significantly reduce your risk by making healthy lifestyle choices and attending regular eye exams. Prevention focuses on protecting your retina from damage and managing the underlying factors that contribute to vision loss.
Here are some key prevention tips for wet AMD:
- Stop smoking – Smoking is the #1 modifiable risk factor for AMD.
- Eat a nutrient-rich diet – Focus on leafy greens, fish, and foods high in antioxidants.
- Exercise regularly – Helps maintain healthy blood vessels and circulation.
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol – Reduces risk of vascular damage in the eyes.
- Protect your eyes from UV rays – Wear sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors.
- Get regular eye exams – Early detection can stop AMD from progressing to the wet form.
Protect Your Vision with Expert Eye Care at Vision Gallery
Wet AMD doesn’t have to mean vision loss, especially if caught early. At Vision Gallery, our experienced team uses advanced diagnostic tools to detect and manage age-related macular degeneration. Whether you’re at risk, already have AMD, or just want to stay ahead of your eye health, we’re here to help you see clearly for years to come.
Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam at Vision Gallery today and take control of your vision health.