Vabysmo (faricimab) is a private intravitreal injection for wet age-related macular degeneration, given in a 15-minute outpatient appointment under anaesthetic drops. At our partner clinics it starts from £1,100 per injection, all-inclusive of the consultant, OCT scan, drug and aftercare. Treatment usually begins with four monthly loading injections, after which many patients extend to one injection every 8 to 16 weeks while keeping the macula dry.
What is wet AMD — and why treat it fast?
Wet age-related macular degeneration happens when abnormal, fragile blood vessels grow beneath the macula — the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. These vessels leak fluid and blood, scarring the macula and causing rapid, permanent loss of central sight if untreated.
The warning signs are sudden distortion (straight lines looking wavy or bent), a dark or blank patch in the middle of your vision, or a sharp drop in reading and recognition. Wet AMD is a medical emergency: every week without treatment risks vision that cannot be recovered. The good news is that modern anti-VEGF injections such as Vabysmo can stop the leakage and stabilise — and often improve — vision.
Symptoms that mean you should be seen quickly
- Wavy or distorted lines — door frames, text or grids appear bent
- A central blur or blind spot — faces and words are hard to make out
- Colours looking duller in the affected eye
- Sudden change in one eye — often noticed when the other eye is covered
- Difficulty reading despite up-to-date glasses
Noticing distortion or a blank patch? Wet AMD is time-critical — the sooner injections start, the more central vision is saved. We can arrange a rapid macula assessment with OCT imaging.
Book a rapid macula assessmentWhy Vabysmo (faricimab)?
Vabysmo is the first licensed eye injection to block two drivers of wet AMD at once: VEGF-A (which fuels new vessel growth and leakage) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2, which destabilises the vessel wall). Targeting both can dry the macula more durably, which is why many patients can safely extend the gap between injections to as long as 16 weeks — fewer hospital visits for the same protection.
Your consultant will recommend the most suitable drug based on your scans, treatment history and how your macula responds. Compare the alternatives in our guide to wet AMD vs dry AMD treatment options, or read more about wet AMD as a condition.
What happens during a Vabysmo injection
The injection is a quick outpatient procedure. You are awake throughout and the eye is fully numbed — most patients are surprised by how straightforward it is.
- OCT scan and check — a detailed macular scan confirms the macula needs treatment and guides your interval.
- Anaesthetic drops numb the eye, and the surface is cleaned with sterile antiseptic to prevent infection.
- A small clip gently holds the eyelids open so you do not need to worry about blinking.
- Vabysmo is injected through the white of the eye (the sclera) into the vitreous gel — this takes only a few seconds and feels like brief pressure.
- The eye is checked, and you rest briefly before going home the same appointment.
Aftercare and what to expect
Recovery from an intravitreal injection is fast. Most people return to normal activities the same day, with a few simple precautions.
Day of injection
Mild grittiness, watering or a scratchy feeling is normal. Vision may be blurry for a few hours. Avoid rubbing the eye and skip swimming pools.
Days 1–3
A small red patch on the white of the eye can appear where the needle entered — this is harmless and fades over a week. Temporary floaters or bubbles settle.
Week 1
Back to normal routine. Seek urgent advice if you develop increasing pain, worsening redness, growing floaters or loss of vision — these are rare but must be checked.
Ongoing reviews
OCT-guided reviews decide your next injection date, gradually extending the interval as the macula stays dry — a treat-and-extend approach.
Cost & insurance
Our Vabysmo pricing is all-inclusive per injection: the consultant medical-retina surgeon, OCT imaging, the faricimab drug, sterile theatre, the procedure and aftercare advice. There are no hidden extras.
- Self-pay: from £1,100 per injection, all-inclusive. See the full Vabysmo cost breakdown.
- Loading course: the initial four monthly injections are quoted as a package on request.
- Insurance: recognised by Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna and WPA — we handle authorisation.