HEALTH CONDITION

Treatments

Treatment depends on the type of AMD you have.

  • Dry AMD – there's no treatment, but vision aids can help reduce the effect on your life. Read about living with AMD.
  • Wet AMD – you may need regular eye injections and, very occasionally, a light treatment called "photodynamic therapy" to stop your vision getting worse.

Anti-VEGF medicines – ranibizumab (Lucentis) and aflibercept (Eylea)

Injections given directly into the eyes.

  • stops vision getting worse in 9 out of 10 people and improves vision in 3 out of 10 people
  • usually given every 1 or 2 months for as long as necessary
  • drops numb the eyes before treatment – most people have minimal discomfort
  • side effects include bleeding in the eye, feeling like there's something in the eye, and eyes being red and irritated

The Macular Society has more on injections for wet AMD.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

A light is shined at the back of the eyes to destroy the abnormal blood vessels that cause wet AMD.

  • may be recommended alongside eye injections if injections alone don't help
  • usually needs to be repeated every few months
  • side effects include temporary vision problems, and the eyes and skin being sensitive to light for a few days or weeks

Read more about photodynamic therapy.

Research into new treatments

Research into new treatments for AMD is ongoing. Your specialist can let you know if there are any studies you could take part in.

You can also search the UK Clinical Trials Gateway (UKCTG) to find studies.


Page last reviewed: Sat Mar 2021 Next review due: Wed Feb 2020

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