What is the treatment for age-related macular degeneration?

Question

Hello doctor,

I started noticing scary changes in my vision over the past three months that the eye doctor says are age-related macular degeneration. I started with wavy lines when looking at doorframes, now there is a dark spot right in the centre of my vision in my right eye that keeps growing. I tried those AREDS2 vitamins for six weeks, but honestly did not see any improvement. The retina specialist did an OCT scan and said I have the wet kind of age-related macular degeneration with fluid under the retina and need injections in my eyeball, which terrifies me. I already had my first Eylea injection three weeks ago, but the floaters afterwards were terrible, and I am still having trouble reading or recognizing faces. My mother went completely blind from AMD at 72, and I am scared of the same path. The doctor mentioned something about anti-VEGF therapy, but did not explain it well. My blood pressure runs high (156/90 mm Hg) despite medication, and I smoke about half a pack daily, which my eye doctor lectured me about. Is this age-related macular degeneration going to eventually take all my vision? How many eye injections will I need? Will stopping smoking at this point even help, or is damage already done? I am an artis,t and the thought of losing central vision has me in constant panic.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

You have wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which means leaky blood vessels under your retina are affecting your central vision. That dark spot and wavy lines are classic signs. It can progress quickly, but early and regular treatment can help slow or stop the damage. Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections like Eylea (Afibercept) help dry up the fluid and stop new leaky vessels from forming. Most people need monthly injections at first, then less often over time. Floaters after the first shot are common but usually fade—tell your doctor if they persist or worsen.

Quitting smoking—even now—can help slow down AMD. It is the most common modifiable risk factor.

Keeping blood pressure under control also protects your eyes.
The AREDS2 (age-related eye disease study 2) vitamins do not improve vision but may help slow dry AMD—they are not as helpful for wet AMD.
Wet AMD does not always lead to total blindness, especially if caught early, like in your case.
You may lose some central vision, but side vision usually stays intact, which can still support daily life and even art with adaptations. Low vision tools (like special magnifiers or software) can help if it worsens.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.