What is Wet Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Wet age related macular degeneration is a progressive retinal disease that affects the macula, which is responsible for central vision needed for reading, recognizing faces, and detailed tasks. It develops when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and macula. These vessels are fragile and prone to leaking fluid or blood, which leads to retinal swelling, tissue damage, and rapid vision loss if not treated.
Although wet age related macular degeneration represents a smaller percentage of macular degeneration cases, it is responsible for the majority of severe vision loss related to the condition. Vision changes can occur suddenly and worsen quickly. For this reason, effective and targeted treatment is critical to preserve visual function.
The Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
A key driver of wet age related macular degeneration is vascular endothelial growth factor. This naturally occurring protein plays a role in the formation of new blood vessels. In wet age related macular degeneration, vascular endothelial growth factor is overexpressed in the retina, leading to the growth of abnormal and leaky blood vessels.
These abnormal vessels disrupt the normal structure of the macula. Fluid accumulation and bleeding interfere with the function of photoreceptor cells and can cause permanent damage if left untreated. Controlling the activity of vascular endothelial growth factor is therefore central to managing wet age related macular degeneration.
Why Direct Eye Treatment Is Necessary
Systemic medications are not effective for treating wet age related macular degeneration because they do not reach the retina in sufficient concentration without causing significant side effects elsewhere in the body. The eye is protected by natural barriers that limit the penetration of medications delivered by mouth or through the bloodstream.
Intravitreal injections allow medication to be delivered directly into the vitreous cavity of the eye. This approach places the drug close to the retina, where it is needed most. By delivering treatment locally, intravitreal injections achieve high therapeutic levels in the eye while minimizing systemic exposure.
How Intravitreal Injections Work
Intravitreal injections used for wet age related macular degeneration primarily involve medications that block vascular endothelial growth factor. These medications bind to the growth factor and prevent it from stimulating abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage. As a result, retinal swelling is reduced and further damage to the macula is slowed or prevented.
By controlling fluid accumulation and bleeding, intravitreal injections help stabilize the retinal architecture. In many cases, patients experience improvement in vision or preservation of their existing vision. Continued treatment is often necessary because the underlying disease process can remain active.
Benefits of Intravitreal injections used for wet AMD:
Benefits of Intravitreal Injection Therapy
Before the development of intravitreal anti vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, treatment options for wet age related macular degeneration were limited and often ineffective at preserving vision. Intravitreal injections have significantly changed the prognosis for many patients. Large clinical studies have shown that these treatments reduce the risk of severe vision loss and, in some cases, lead to visual improvement.
Another important benefit is the ability to individualize treatment. The response to therapy can be monitored with retinal imaging, allowing eye care professionals to adjust injection frequency based on disease activity. This tailored approach improves outcomes and reduces unnecessary treatment.
Why Repeated Injections Are Required
Wet age related macular degeneration is a chronic condition. While intravitreal injections control abnormal blood vessel activity, they do not cure the disease. The effects of anti vascular endothelial growth factor medications are temporary, and vascular endothelial growth factor production can resume once the medication wears off.
For this reason, repeated injections are often required to maintain disease control. Many patients begin with monthly treatments, followed by adjustments to extend the interval between injections once the condition stabilizes. Ongoing monitoring is essential to detect recurrence of fluid or bleeding early.