Wet Macular Degeneration

Dry AMD is a slow thinning of macular tissue, while wet AMD occurs when new, fragile blood vessels grow and leak beneath the retina, leading to quicker and more severe central‑vision loss.

The mainstay is anti‑VEGF medication injected into the eye every few weeks to stop vessel leakage; some patients also benefit from photodynamic therapy or, in select cases, focal laser treatment.

Before each injection your eye is numbed with anesthetic drops, so most people feel only mild pressure; the needle is ultra‑fine and the procedure is designed not to harm healthy eye structures.

Many patients start with monthly injections for the first 3 – 6 months; if the retina stays dry on scans, the interval can be gradually extended to every 8–12 weeks under your specialist’s guidance.

Quitting smoking, maintaining healthy blood pressure, and eating a diet rich in dark leafy greens, omega‑3 fatty acids, and antioxidant‑containing foods may help protect retinal cells and the other eye.

You may continue driving as long as you meet your state’s visual‑acuity requirements; regular eye exams are essential, and adaptive devices such as wrap‑around glare‑reducing lenses can improve safety.