Wet Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD)
Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD) is a serious condition where abnormal blood vessels leak fluid or blood under the retina, causing rapid central vision loss. Learn its symptoms, causes, and when urgent treatment is needed.
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Carol PeelWhat Is Wet Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD)?
Wet Macular Degeneration, also known as Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD), is a serious eye condition in which abnormal, fragile blood vessels grow beneath the macula — the central part of the retina responsible for detailed, sharp vision. These new vessels leak fluid, blood, or lipid, causing sudden and often severe distortion or blurring of central vision.
Wet AMD typically develops from Dry AMD but progresses far more quickly. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to permanent central vision loss. Although Wet AMD does not cause total blindness, it significantly affects central tasks such as reading, driving, recognising faces, and fine detail work.
Immediate assessment and treatment are essential to preserve vision. Anti-VEGF injections, delivered directly into the eye, block abnormal vessel growth and reduce fluid, halting progression in most patients when started promptly.
Symptoms of Wet AMD
Symptoms often appear suddenly and may worsen rapidly. Peripheral (side) vision usually remains normal, but central tasks become extremely difficult. Seek urgent assessment if you notice any of the following.
Causes & Risk Factors
Wet AMD develops when abnormal blood vessels grow from the choroid into the macula, a process called choroidal neovascularisation (CNV). Several factors increase the risk of this occurring.
Progression from Dry AMD
The majority of Wet AMD cases begin as Dry AMD before converting. As dry AMD advances, areas of geographic atrophy can trigger choroidal neovascularisation, the process that defines Wet AMD.
Ageing
Most cases occur in adults over the age of 55. Age-related changes in the retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch's membrane create the conditions that allow abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the macula.
Genetics and Family History
Variants in complement pathway genes, including CFH and ARMS2, significantly increase the risk of developing AMD. A family history of AMD is one of the strongest predictors of the condition.
Smoking
Smoking is one of the strongest modifiable risk factors for AMD. It approximately doubles the risk of developing the condition and accelerates progression from Dry to Wet AMD.
Cardiovascular Disease
High blood pressure and atherosclerosis influence the blood vessel changes that underlie AMD. Optimising cardiovascular risk factors forms part of the overall management strategy for AMD patients.
Diet and Lifestyle
Low intake of leafy greens, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidant nutrients, combined with high consumption of processed foods, is associated with increased AMD risk and faster progression.
Other Risk Factors
Additional factors associated with higher AMD risk include elevated cholesterol, cumulative UV light exposure, and female sex, which carries a slightly higher prevalence of the condition compared to males.
Diagnosis and Assessment
Early diagnosis is critical in Wet AMD. OCT is the most important diagnostic tool and guides all treatment decisions. A comprehensive assessment confirms the diagnosis, establishes the extent of neovascularisation, and determines the most appropriate treatment approach.
OCT Scan
Optical coherence tomography is the essential diagnostic test for Wet AMD. It shows fluid, swelling, or blood beneath the retina with high precision, confirms the diagnosis, and guides ongoing treatment decisions and monitoring.
Dilated Retinal Examination
The macula is examined through a dilated pupil using slit lamp biomicroscopy and a contact or non-contact lens, allowing direct inspection for haemorrhage, exudate, and signs of choroidal neovascularisation.
OCT Angiography
OCT-A provides non-invasive, detailed imaging of abnormal blood vessel networks beneath the retina, identifying the location and extent of choroidal neovascularisation without the need for dye injection.
Visual Acuity Testing
Baseline and follow-up visual acuity measurements track the functional impact of the condition and the response to treatment. Fluorescein angiography may be arranged if detailed vessel imaging is required.
When to Seek Advice
Seek urgent same-day assessment if you experience any of the following:
- New or sudden distortion of straight lines
- A central blurry or dark patch in one eye
- Rapid decline in reading vision
- Difficulty recognising faces
- A sudden change in one eye's central vision
- Symptoms developing after a known diagnosis of Dry AMD
“Wet AMD progresses quickly. Early treatment with anti-VEGF injections can preserve sight, but delays of even a few days can result in irreversible central vision loss. Urgent same-day assessment is always the right response to new symptoms.”
Treatment Options
These are the treatment options available at The Eye Doctor Clinic for Wet AMD and associated retinal conditions.
Anti-VEGF Intravitreal Injections
Anti-VEGF intravitreal injections block abnormal blood vessel growth and reduce fluid in the retina. They are the leading treatment for Wet AMD, diabetic macular oedema, and other retinal conditions, offering fast, effective protection of central vision.
Learn moreSteroidal Intravitreal Injections
Steroidal intravitreal injections reduce inflammation and macular swelling caused by conditions such as CMO, diabetic macular oedema, and uveitis. They provide rapid, effective, and long-lasting improvement in vision when other treatments are insufficient.
Learn moreEpiretinal Membrane Surgery
Epiretinal membrane surgery removes scar tissue from the macula to reduce distortion and improve central vision. It is a safe, advanced retinal procedure with strong success rates and gradual, long-term visual improvement.
Learn moreMacular Hole / VMT Surgery
Macular Hole / VMT Surgery is a precise retinal procedure that removes traction, closes macular holes, and restores central vision. With modern micro-incision techniques, the procedure offers excellent success rates and significant visual improvement for most patients.
Learn moreMeet the Team
Where to Find Us
Three convenient locations across West Yorkshire. Visit us for consultations, diagnostics, and treatments.
Bolton
136 – 140 Newport St
Bolton, Greater Manchester
BL3 6AB
Huddersfield
Woodlands, 4 Longbow Close
Huddersfield, HD2 1GQ
Book a Wet AMD Assessment
If you are experiencing sudden central vision distortion or blur, do not wait. An urgent specialist assessment at The Eye Doctor Clinic will confirm the diagnosis and arrange prompt treatment to protect your remaining central vision.
