Anti-VEGF Therapy for Wet AMD: Does It Work?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss in older adults. In particular, wet AMD is the more aggressive form of the condition, responsible for most cases of severe vision impairment linked to AMD. 

The good news? Medical science has developed highly effective treatments—one of the most notable being Anti-VEGF therapy. But how effective is it really? In this article, we’ll explore how Anti-VEGF therapy works, how it fits into the broader landscape of disease treatment for AMD, and what patients can expect from it.

Understanding Wet AMD and the Role of VEGF

Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula (the central part of the retina), leaking fluid or blood and damaging the delicate retinal cells. This process leads to blurred or distorted central vision and, if left untreated, can progress rapidly to significant vision loss.

A key player in this process is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)—a protein that stimulates the growth of these abnormal blood vessels. Anti-VEGF therapy works by blocking this protein, effectively slowing or stopping the growth of harmful vessels.

What Is Anti-VEGF Therapy?

Anti-VEGF therapy involves the injection of medications directly into the eye. These drugs include:

• Ranibizumab (Lucentis)
• Aflibercept (Eylea)
• Bevacizumab (Avastin) – used off-label but widely accepted
• Brolucizumab (Beovu) – a newer option with longer-lasting effects for some patients

These injections are usually administered every 4 to 8 weeks initially, though the frequency may decrease over time depending on your response. The procedure is quick, generally painless, and performed under local anesthesia in a clinical setting.

How Effective Is Anti-VEGF Therapy?

Extensive clinical research and real-world patient outcomes have shown that Anti-VEGF therapy is highly effective at stabilizing and even improving vision in many patients with wet AMD. Key benefits include:

• Slowed progression of vision loss: Most patients maintain their vision and avoid severe visual impairment with timely treatment.
• Improved visual acuity: A significant number of patients experience improved clarity, reading ability, and colour perception.
• Reduced retinal swelling and fluid: OCT scans show measurable decreases in retinal fluid after a few injections.

While not a cure, Anti-VEGF therapy represents one of the most impactful advances in AMD disease management to date.

What to Expect During Treatment

For many patients, the idea of an eye injection can be intimidating. But in reality, the procedure is quick and typically well-tolerated. Here’s what to expect:

Before the injection, your eye is numbed with drops, and the area is sterilised to prevent infection. The injection itself lasts only a few seconds. Afterwards, you may experience mild irritation, redness, or a “floaty” sensation, but serious side effects are rare. Consistency is key. Skipping appointments or delaying injections can reverse the progress made and lead to worse outcomes.

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?

As with any medical procedure, there are some potential risks:

• Mild side effects include eye discomfort, redness, and temporary blurry vision.
• Less common risks include infection (endophthalmitis), increased eye pressure, or inflammation.
• Systemic risks, such as cardiovascular events, are still being studied, but the overall risk is considered low.

Your doctor will monitor your response closely and adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Long-Term Outlook and Advancements

While many patients require ongoing injections for months or even years, researchers are constantly working on new ways to make treatment more efficient and less frequent. Some exciting developments include:

• Long-acting anti-VEGF implants
• Combination therapies
• Gene therapy trials

These advancements could revolutionize the future of AMD disease treatment, offering patients greater convenience and improved outcomes.

Lifestyle Matters, Too

Though Anti-VEGF therapy is effective, it’s only one part of the puzzle. Maintaining overall eye health involves:

• Regular eye exams, especially if you’re over 50 or have a family history of AMD
• A healthy diet rich in leafy greens, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants
• Quitting smoking, which is a major risk factor for AMD progression
• Managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol

A comprehensive approach ensures you’re doing everything possible to protect your vision.

Conclusion

Anti-VEGF therapy has transformed the outlook for patients with wet AMD. While it requires commitment and regular appointments, the benefits are clear: preserved vision, improved quality of life, and hope for the future. As research continues and new options become available, patients have more reasons than ever to be optimistic. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with wet AMD, talk to your ophthalmologist about Anti-VEGF therapy and how it fits into your AMD disease treatment plan.