Helpline
What is wet age-related macular degeneration?
Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) develops when abnormal blood vessels grow into the macula. The macula is the part of the eye used to see fine detail, read and recognise faces. These blood vessels leak blood or fluid which leads to scarring of the macula and loss of central vision.
Wet AMD can develop very suddenly, but it can now be treated if caught quickly. Fast referral to a hospital specialist is essential.
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Causes
Wet AMD is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the macula. These vessels leak fluid or blood, damaging retinal cells and causing rapid central vision loss.
AMD mainly affects people over the age of 50 and is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK. The risk of developing wet AMD increases as we age. At the age of 60, about one in 200 people are affected.
By the time we reach 90, it affects one in five. And, as life expectancy continues to rise, so too does the number of people diagnosed with the condition.
A family history of wet AMD also significantly increases the risk of being diagnosed with the condition.
Smokers are up to four times more likely to develop AMD, and poor diet, obesity and too much saturated fat in the diet can raise the risk.
Symptoms and early signs
Macular disease affects people in different ways:
- Gaps or dark spots (like a smudge on glasses) may appear in your vision, especially first thing in the morning.
- Objects in front of you might change shape, size or colour, or seem to move or disappear.
- Colours can fade.
- You may find bright light glaring and uncomfortable.
- Some people with wet AMD find it difficult to adapt when moving from dark to light environments.
- Words might disappear when you’re reading.
- Straight lines, such as door frames and lampposts may appear distorted or bent.
These are classic early signs of wet AMD and prompt recognition is important.
Diagnosis and tests
The optometrist at your local optician’s practice can test sight, prescribe glasses and check for eye disease. Some optometrists use photography or other imaging to detect early signs of macular degeneration. These might include Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans which create cross-sectional images of the retina. You may be charged for these tests.
If your optometrist thinks you have wet AMD, you should be referred to a retinal specialist at a hospital and seen within one to two weeks. You should be treated within two weeks after diagnosis.
You should not be sent to your GP. This causes unnecessary delay.
At hospital, further tests will be carried out to confirm your diagnosis. The specialist may use:
- Eye drops to dilate the pupils to clearly see the back of the eye. These may make your vision blurred and sensitive to light for a short time, so consider taking someone with you to your appointment
- OCT scans
- Fluorescein dye angiography. A dye injected into a vein in the arm travels to the eye, highlighting the blood vessels in the retina so they can be photographed. The dye will temporarily change the colour of your urine.
Is your sight at risk?
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Check your riskTreatment options
Although there is currently no cure, wet AMD can be treated if caught early. There are a number of treatment options that can slow its progression.
Anti-VEGF injections
Anti-VEGF injections have significantly changed the outlook for people with wet AMD, helping to slow disease progression and maintain sight.
These injections work by blocking the growth of abnormal blood vessels and reducing fluid build-up. In wet AMD, new vessels can develop and leak beneath the macula, damaging central vision.
Currently, treatments such as ranibizumab, aflibercept, and bevacizumab are given as eye injections.
Following diagnosis, people will usually have a loading dose of three injections, once a month for three months. After this, you will be assessed to see if more injections are required.
The injections are not as bad as they might sound. Your eye will be anaesthetised, and the needle goes into the corner of the eye, so you won’t see it.
Laser treatment
In certain cases, laser photocoagulation may be used to target and seal leaky blood vessels. While not as commonly used as anti-VEGF injections, it can be helpful in some cases.
Prevention
While some risk factors, such as age and genes, can’t be changed, there are some things you can do to help slow progression:
- Quit smoking
- Follow a healthy, Mediterranean‑style diet rich in fish, leafy greens, nuts and whole grains
- Maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure
- Consider AREDS2 supplement formulations
- Protect eyes from UV light and monitor regularly with eye tests
Living with wet AMD
Many people with wet AMD continue to live active and fulfilling lives. There are some lifestyle adjustments that can be made to support mental wellbeing and maintain independence:
- Use assistive technology such as magnifiers, large‑print materials, high‑contrast settings and screen reader tools
- Ensure good lighting, reduce glare where possible, and optimise colour contrast at home
- A sense of loss and anxiety is common, so it’s important to talk to family and friends, or seek professional support
We have a range of support services including counselling, local support groups and our Macular Society helpline – 0300 3030 111
Latest research and developments
Innovative therapies, including gene-based treatments and sustained drug delivery systems like port devices, are currently being explored in clinical trials. Depending on your situation, you may be able to take part in one of these studies.
We’re committed to finding better treatments, and ultimately a cure, for macular disease. With your support, we can continue funding vital research. Please consider donating to help make this possible.
The Macular Society supports and funds pioneering research into all forms of macular disease. Clinical trials play a vital role in developing new treatments and understanding these complex conditions.
Support and resources
The Macular Society is here for people who have any form of macular disease or condition. We’re also here to help support your friends, family and carers. We provide lots of support, including:
Our helpline, open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Our skilled advisors can listen to your concerns, provide advice and answer all your important questions. Just call 0300 3030 111 or email help@macularsociety.org
We can also provide a referral to our counselling service, which helps those struggling with their mental health.
The Macular Society have also produced a range of guides on topics like lighting, low vision aids and information to help you when you’re out and about.
FAQs
What is the difference between wet and dry AMD?
Dry AMD is the more common form and progresses slowly, caused by a gradual thinning of the macula. Wet AMD is less common but more serious. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula and leak fluid or blood, leading to faster vision loss. Some people with dry AMD may eventually develop the wet form.
How soon should I get treatment after diagnosis?
Wet AMD needs urgent treatment, ideally within two weeks of diagnosis. The sooner you start treatment, the better the chance of preserving your central vision. Delaying treatment can result in irreversible damage to the retina.
Can wet AMD cause blindness?
Wet AMD affects central vision, which is crucial for reading, driving and recognising faces. It doesn't cause total blindness, but it can severely impact daily life. Peripheral vision usually remains intact, meaning you won't go completely blind but may be registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired.
How often will I need injections?
Treatment usually starts with three monthly anti-VEGF injections. After that, most people move to maintenance treatment every four to eight weeks, depending on how the condition responds. Some people may need injections for several years, while others may stabilise sooner.
Is there a cure for wet AMD?
Current treatments like anti-VEGF injections can stop further vision loss and may improve vision in some people, but they can’t reverse all damage. There’s currently no cure. That's why early detection and treatment are critical. Research into longer-lasting treatments and gene therapy is ongoing.
Can lifestyle changes slow the condition?
Yes. Stopping smoking, eating a balanced diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3s, managing blood pressure and staying physically active can help slow progression. While lifestyle changes won’t cure wet AMD, they support overall eye health and may protect the other eye if only one is affected.
What assistive devices can help with everyday living?
People with wet AMD often benefit from magnifiers, large-print books, screen-reading software and voice-activated devices. Good lighting, high-contrast settings and using audio tools (like talking clocks or books) can also improve independence. Low vision clinics and support groups can offer personalised advice.
Free confidential advice and support
Call our helpline on 0300 3030 111
Lines are open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday
About the Macular Society Helpline
Support for you
We provide free information and support to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends, to help people keep their independence.
Local support groups
Our support groups are for people of working age and older, and provide information, support and friendship to people with macular disease and sight loss. Find your local support group today.
Last review date: May 2026
Next review date: May 2028