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Eye Condition

Wet Macular Degeneration

Wet macular degeneration arises when abnormal retinal blood vessels leak beneath the macula, causing rapid distortion and loss of central vision.

What is Wet Macular Degeneration?

Wet macular degeneration, also known as neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a chronic eye condition that leads to the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the retina. These vessels can leak blood and fluid, causing rapid and severe vision loss. Wet AMD primarily affects the central part of the retina, known as the macula, which is crucial for sharp, detailed vision.

Symptoms of Wet Macular Degeneration

  • Blurred Vision: Distortion or blurring in the center of your vision.
  • Dark or Empty Areas: Presence of dark spots or empty areas in the central vision.
  • Visual Distortion: Straight lines appearing wavy or bent.
  • Rapid Vision Loss: Sudden and significant loss of central vision.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of wet macular degeneration is not fully understood, but several risk factors are associated with its development:

  • Age: Most common in individuals over 60.
  • Genetics: Family history of AMD increases risk.
  • Smoking: Smoking significantly raises the risk of developing AMD.
  • Obesity: Higher body mass index (BMI) is linked to an increased risk.
  • Cardiovascular Disease: Conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels may contribute to AMD.

Diagnosis

Early detection is critical for managing wet macular degeneration and preserving vision. Our clinic offers comprehensive diagnostic services, including:

  • Ophthalmic Examination: Detailed eye examination using slit-lamp biomicroscopy.
  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): High-resolution imaging to detect fluid or blood under the retina.
  • Fluorescein Angiography: Imaging test to visualize blood vessels in the retina.
  • Amsler Grid Test: Simple test to detect visual distortions.

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Wet Macular Degeneration Patient Story

A real patient shares their journey with our treatment approach.

"After electro-acupuncture, the little patterns are gone, like my retinal cells woke up!"

At 80, scientist Melissa battled wet AMD, geographic atrophy and Lyme‑linked Bartonella. In just three visits over a year, Dr. Rosenfarb’s electro‑acupuncture and hydrogen therapy erased disruptive visual patterns, re‑awoke dormant retinal cells, and steadied her vision—prompting her to urge others: “don’t wait.”

Melissa
Verified Patient

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions we get asked about 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.

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