Wet age-related macular degeneration, or wet AMD, is a common eye condition that affects people over the age of 50. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and start to leak fluid, causing damage to the macula, which is responsible for central vision. Without proper treatment, wet AMD can lead to blindness. Fortunately, there are several effective treatments available.

The most common treatment for wet AMD is anti-VEGF therapy. VEGF, or vascular endothelial growth factor, is a protein that promotes the growth of blood vessels. In wet AMD, VEGF levels are elevated, leading to the abnormal growth of blood vessels under the retina. Anti-VEGF drugs bind to VEGF proteins and prevent them from promoting the growth of blood vessels. These drugs are injected directly into the eye and can improve vision and slow the progression of the disease.

Several anti-VEGF drugs are available, including Lucentis, Avastin, and Eylea. Lucentis was the first FDA-approved drug for wet AMD and is typically administered once a month. Avastin is another drug that is commonly used off-label for wet AMD treatment. It is less expensive than Lucentis and may be just as effective. Eylea is a newer drug that is administered every two months, but it may provide longer-lasting results than Lucentis or Avastin.

Another treatment option for wet AMD is corticosteroids. These drugs reduce inflammation in the eye and can help to control the leakage of fluid from abnormal blood vessels. Corticosteroids can be injected directly into the eye, implanted as a tiny pellet, or delivered using a special eye drop. However, corticosteroids may have side effects, including increased pressure inside the eye, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Photodynamic therapy is a type of treatment that uses a photosensitizing drug and a special light to destroy abnormal blood vessels in the retina. This treatment is less commonly used than anti-VEGF therapy because it is less effective and can cause damage to healthy cells in the retina.

Wet AMD can also be treated using laser therapy. This involves using a high-energy beam of light to seal leaky blood vessels and slow the progression of the disease. Laser therapy may be effective for treating specific types of wet AMD, but it can have side effects, including scarring and damage to healthy cells in the retina.

In conclusion, there are several effective treatments available for wet age-related macular degeneration. Anti-VEGF therapy is the most common treatment, but other options, such as corticosteroids and photodynamic therapy, may be appropriate in certain cases. Laser therapy is another option, but it may have more side effects than other treatments. It is important for patients with wet AMD to work with their eye doctor to determine the best treatment plan based on the severity of their disease and their individual needs.