Wet Macular Degeneration: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Wet macular degeneration is a progressive eye condition that leads to vision loss if not intervened early. So, learn more about this disease and take the needed steps.
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Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Wet Macular Degeneration is a progressive eye condition that affects the macula and the central part of the retina. Macula, the primarily affected part of the eye is responsible for tasks like reading, understanding fine details and recognising faces. Resultantly, people struggle with their vision, and this is more prevalent among the older adults. However, it is possible to treat this condition if we intervene early. With proper knowledge of the causes and treatment options, individuals can take preventative measures and protect their vision.
Types of Macular Degeneration
There are two types of macular degeneration:
1. Dry Macular Degeneration: This is the most common kind of macular degeneration caused by the thinning of the macula with age. This takes years to progress but the late degeneration has no treatment.
2. Wet Macular Degeneration: This condition is not very rare and it causes quick loss of vision. The dry macular degeneration progresses into wet. During this stage blood vessels start growing behind the eye damaging the macula. However, with the modern treatment options, it is possible to find a cure to this rare condition.
Causes and Risk Factors
Some of the leading reasons of wet macular degeneration are:
Age: With age, the chances of developing wet macular degeneration increases
Genetics and Family History: The genetics play a vital role in the development of this condition. If the parents have wet macular degeneration, then the kids will inherit it as well.
Race: Wet Macular Degeneration is mostly borne by European people, but, for the rest, it is a possibility and the cases are rare.
Nutrition: Lack of certain vitamins (like Vitamin C,E) and minerals (like copper and zinc) or some components of Vitamin A in the body can lead to this condition.
Habits: Consumption of Tobacco can elevate chances of contracting wet macular degeneration.
Other Health Conditions: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiovascular ailments are also responsible for developing this condition over time.
Pathophysiology of Wet Macular Degeneration
Some pivotal points on the pathophysiological growth of wet macular degeneration are:
The obnoxious growth of blood vessels under the retina and the macula of the eye causes it to ooze out fluid and blood. This might lead to loss of vision as it may redress the area accountable for central vision.
Immoderate formation of VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) is regarded as the biggest factor in the formation of the blood vessels. The rise of this protein is strengthened by cellular stress and hypoxia in the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) with ageing.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
There are a lot of reasons that lead to wet macular degeneration which cause loss of central vision. All these are so painless that people don’t recognise them till it is too late. So, to everyone’s cause, here are some popular symptoms of this condition:
Dark Spots or Floaters
Blurred vision, especially during close vision
Fading or less of colour vision including blue yellow colour deficiency
Distorted vision or metamorphopsia
Objects seeming smaller than they actually are
Dark places of vision
Blind spots (scotomas)
Total loss of central vision only retaining peripheral vision
As mentioned earlier, early diagnosis can help to cure this condition. So, the process goes like:
Firstly, the ophthalmologist carries out an eye health check-up. Next, they look into the retina with an instrument called an ophthalmoscope. They can also put drops to dilate the pupil and then use a slit lamp to watch the retina.
They may also conduct an Amsler grid eye test enabling an easier access to the doctor to view the distortions in the vision. This is a process where any disorientation in the retina will affect the way the chart is shown to the patient.
In addition to the eye test and the slit lamp test, there are a few non-invasive ways. These can be used by the ophthalmologist as it allows them to look at the hazardous internal structures and blood vessels at the rear end of the eye. The methods included are:
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Fluorescein Angiography
Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICGA)
Treatment Options
The most common treatment of this condition is the Anti VEGF Injection. This injection stops the bleeding at the back of the eye. Usually, this is the only treatment that people receive when they have wet macular degeneration. Some people may need this injection on a monthly basis after which the doctor will prescribe the next visit.
A less common method of treatment is the Photodynamic It is a therapy the the doctors use along with the injection. This works by using a light sensitive medicine called ‘verteporfin’ which is switched on when sparked by a special kind of laser, cold laser. The number of times this therapy is needed depends on the patient.
Living With Wet Macular Degeneration
Wet macular degeneration significantly affects the life of the individuals. However, there are a ways to manage this condition and live life –
Seeking advice for low vision rehabilitation from the doctor which is like an eye therapy. It teaches the patient how to live and work with any kind of vision changes they have.
When people have low vision, they can use instruments like magnifying glass and lenses to make everyday chores easier. Also, facilities like smart phone apps and other electronic devices help in coping with low vision.
There are support groups and government and non-government organisations that provide the necessary assistance to help people cope with this.
Diet and Lifestyle Modification
With the right dietary and lifestyle changes, it is possible to curb the effects of wet macular degeneration. Here are some suggestions:
Controlling calories and ensuring loss of weight with adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables
Staying hydrated by drinking enough water and supporting metabolism
Reducing stress by practicing yoga, meditation and other exercises
Observing hygiene in sleeping and fulfilling eight hours of sleep
Reducing the overall stress on the eyes
To conclude
Wet macular degeneration is a condition that affects the macula and retina, leading to permanent vision loss. However, individuals can combat it with effective treatment and some preventive measures. Therefore, knowing the symptoms and causes can aid them seek early help and get it checked to start the treatment. As a result, they can protect their vision and keep enjoying the best things of life.
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