Wet AMD is treated with anti-VEGF injections that stop abnormal blood vessels leaking under the macula — the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. Starting treatment quickly is the single most important factor in protecting your sight, and for many people vision stabilises or improves. Treatment is ongoing and guided by regular OCT scans.
What is wet AMD?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula, the central part of the retina. In wet AMD, fragile new blood vessels grow beneath the macula and leak fluid and blood, distorting and damaging central vision. It tends to progress quickly — over days to weeks — which is why it is treated urgently. Unlike dry AMD, wet AMD has effective treatment that can halt and often reverse some of the damage if started early.
New or sudden distortion of straight lines, a blurred or dark patch in your central vision, or colours appearing faded should be assessed without delay. If you are already under NHS macular care, continue it — NHS treatment for wet AMD is well established. Private assessment can offer rapid access to imaging and injections. Read more about wet AMD as a condition and macular degeneration overall.
Your treatment options
The specific drug and schedule are tailored to your scans and response. Related: macular degeneration, dry AMD.
What the injection involves
An anti-VEGF injection is a quick outpatient procedure. The eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops and cleaned with antiseptic. A tiny amount of medicine is injected into the vitreous through the white of the eye using a very fine needle — most people feel only slight pressure. The injection itself takes seconds, and the whole visit is usually around 15 minutes.
Treatment usually begins with a loading course of injections (often three, about a month apart), after which your retinal specialist tailors the interval based on OCT scans — a “treat-and-extend” approach that gives you the fewest injections needed to keep the macula dry.
Noticing distortion or a blurred patch in your central vision? Get assessed promptly.
Book a macular assessmentAftercare and monitoring
Right after the injection
The eye may feel gritty and look a little red where the injection was given; this settles within a day or two. You can usually carry on with normal activities, avoiding rubbing the eye and swimming for a short period.
The first days
Mild floaters or a small bubble in your vision can occur and clear quickly. Contact the clinic urgently if you develop increasing pain, marked redness, light sensitivity or worsening vision — rare signs of infection that need prompt review.
Ongoing treatment
Wet AMD needs continued monitoring with OCT scans and further injections as required. Sticking to your schedule is the key to protecting vision; missed treatment can allow the disease to progress.
How much does wet AMD treatment cost?
A retinal consultation with OCT imaging is from £240. Anti-VEGF injections are typically £900–£1,800 per injection depending on the drug used, and several are usually needed over the first year. Longer-acting and sustained-release options are quoted individually. Your written plan sets out expected visit frequency and costs. See the full price list or request a personalised quote below.
Wet AMD FAQs
What is wet AMD?
Wet age-related macular degeneration is a condition in which fragile new blood vessels grow beneath the macula and leak fluid and blood, damaging central vision. It can progress quickly over days to weeks, so it is treated urgently. Unlike dry AMD, it has effective treatment that can halt and often partly reverse the damage if started early.
Is wet AMD an emergency?
Wet AMD needs urgent assessment because early treatment protects the most sight. New or sudden distortion of straight lines, a blurred or dark patch in your central vision, or faded colours should be checked without delay. If you are under NHS macular care, continue it; private assessment can give rapid access to imaging and injections.
How do anti-VEGF injections work?
Anti-VEGF medicines block the signal that drives abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage under the macula. Injected into the eye, they dry up the fluid, stabilise the macula and often improve vision. They are the first-line treatment for wet AMD and are given to a personalised schedule guided by OCT scans.
How often will I need injections?
Treatment usually starts with a loading course of about three injections roughly a month apart. After that, your specialist uses a treat-and-extend approach, adjusting the interval based on your OCT scans to give the fewest injections needed to keep the macula dry. Wet AMD requires ongoing monitoring and treatment.
Can wet AMD vision be restored?
If treatment starts early, many people stabilise their vision and some regain a meaningful amount. The outcome depends on how much damage occurred before treatment began, which is why prompt assessment matters. Treatment that is delayed or stopped can allow vision to deteriorate.
How much does wet AMD treatment cost?
A retinal consultation with OCT imaging is from £240. Anti-VEGF injections are typically £900–£1,800 per injection depending on the drug, and several are usually needed in the first year. Longer-acting and sustained-release options are quoted individually, and you receive a written plan of expected visits and costs.