What Is Wet AMD?
Wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), also called neovascular AMD (nAMD), is the sight‑threatening form of macular degeneration where new, fragile blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood. When this happens, the macula—the part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision—becomes swollen and scarred. Vision can deteriorate quickly without urgent treatment, which is why recognising symptoms and acting fast matters.
At Peter Ivins Eye Care in Bearsden, Scotland, we’ve built a rapid‑response pathway for suspected wet AMD: same‑day imaging with ZEISS CIRRUS 6000 OCT (with FastTrac), OCT‑Angiography, fundus autofluorescence and ultra‑widefield true‑colour imaging on the ZEISS CLARUS 500, supported by ZEISS Retina Workplace and AI analysis (including Altris AI). Our role is to detect and triage wet AMD immediately and arrange urgent referral for intravitreal (anti‑VEGF) treatment with our local hospital and retina colleagues.
Important: Valeda photobiomodulation (PBM) is designed for dry AMD. Wet AMD is treated with anti‑VEGF injections. The Valeda Clinic remains central to our dry AMD programme; for wet AMD we focus on rapid diagnosis, urgent referral and co‑management.
Key Takeaways
- Wet AMD is an emergency. Sudden distortion (straight lines look wavy), a central smudge/blank spot or rapid blur in one eye needs same‑day assessment.
- Diagnosis is imaging‑led. OCT, OCT‑A and true‑colour/fundus autofluorescence imaging confirm disease and guide referral.
- Treatment is intravitreal anti‑VEGF injection. Drugs such as aflibercept, ranibizumab, faricimab, brolucizumab, and licensed bevacizumab gamma are used by retina specialists. Regimens are often treat‑and‑extend to reduce visit burden while protecting vision.
- Our clinic’s edge: Scotland’s first CLARUS 500 true‑colour ultra‑widefield system, advanced CIRRUS 6000 OCT/OCT‑A, integrated Retina Workplace and AI—powered, consultant‑level imaging in a primary care setting.
What Is Wet AMD?
Wet AMD occurs when abnormal choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) grows under the macula. These vessels are fragile and leak fluid or bleed, distorting and then damaging the central retina. Unlike dry AMD (which progresses more slowly), wet AMD can cause rapid vision loss over days to weeks without treatment.
Common symptoms
- Metamorphopsia: straight lines appear wavy or kinked
- A central smudge, grey/black patch or missing area (scotoma)
- Sudden decline in reading, face recognition or fine detail
- Colours seem faded; contrast is poorer
If you notice any of these—especially in one eye—contact us immediately. The earlier anti‑VEGF therapy starts, the better the chance of stabilising or improving vision.
How We Diagnose Wet AMD
When wet AMD is suspected at Peter Ivins Eye Care, we fast‑track you through a structured imaging and assessment protocol led by Craig McArthur and our macular team:
1) High‑definition OCT (ZEISS CIRRUS 6000 with FastTrac)
Cross‑sectional scans reveal intra‑ and sub‑retinal fluid, pigment epithelial detachment (PED) and subtle structural changes.
Non‑invasive visualisation of flow within macular neovascular membranes, helping characterise lesion type and activity without dye.
3) Fundus Autofluorescence (FAF)
Blue/green autofluorescence highlights RPE stress and atrophy patterns that can coexist with neovascular change.
4) True‑colour ultra‑widefield imaging (ZEISS CLARUS 500)
High‑definition, natural‑colour photos document haemorrhage, drusen and peripheral status.
5) Longitudinal & AI‑assisted review
ZEISS Retina Workplace and Altris AI track tiny changes over time, aiding treatment decisions and shared understanding.
If the imaging confirms wet AMD, we coordinate urgent referral to a retina service (either via NHS clinic or private clinic ) for anti‑VEGF initiation. We then co‑manage ongoing monitoring with the treating team.
Treatment of Wet AMD: What to Expect
The gold‑standard treatment for wet AMD is a course of intravitreal anti‑VEGF injections delivered by a retina specialist. These medicines block VEGF, the signal driving abnormal vessel growth and leakage.
Common anti‑VEGF agents used in the UK:
- Aflibercept
- Ranibizumab (including biosimilars)
- Faricimab (dual Ang‑2/VEGF‑A inhibition; designed for extended intervals in many patients)
- Brolucizumab (selected cases)
- Bevacizumab gamma (Lytenava)
Typical regimen
- An initial loading phase (several monthly injections) to dry the retina
- Then a treat‑and‑extend approach: if the macula stays dry and vision stable, the interval is gradually extended (e.g., 8 → 12 → 16 weeks), reducing visit burden while maintaining control
- In most patients, ongoing maintenance injections are needed to prevent recurrence
Clinic experience
- The eye is anaesthetised; the injection itself takes seconds
- Most people feel pressure rather than pain
- You can usually go home shortly afterwards
Goal: Protect the sight you have—and where possible, regain clarity—by starting promptly and sticking with the personalised plan.
Why Speed Matters
Wet AMD can damage the macula quickly. UK guidance emphasises early diagnosis and prompt initiation of anti‑VEGF therapy. Our same‑day imaging and urgent referral protocol is designed to reduce delays and protect vision.
How Peter Ivins Eye Care Supports You Throughout
- Rapid access imaging using CIRRUS 6000 OCT/OCT‑A and CLARUS 500 true‑colour widefield—the same class of diagnostics used in hospital retina clinics
- Review with ZEISS Retina Workplace and AI‑assisted change detection (Altris AI)
- Clear communication with your treating retina specialist (NHS or private) and co‑management of follow‑up imaging between injections
- Personalised education on Amsler monitoring, nutrition and risk factor control
- Dry AMD care pathway via The Valeda Clinic (photobiomodulation) for the other eye or for patients with mixed dry/wet features
About Craig McArthur
International lecturer, key opinion leader and co‑founder of Peter Ivins Eye Care, Craig established Scotland’s first macular screening clinic (2008) and leads our adoption of AI‑enabled, multimodal imaging to set the standard in community macular care.
FAQs
Is wet AMD curable?
There’s no cure, but anti‑VEGF injections often stabilise—and sometimes improve—vision. Many patients move to fewer, more spaced‑out injections over time.
How quickly do I need treatment?
Immediately. If you notice new distortion or a central smudge, contact us the same day. Starting injections as soon as possible offers the best chance of preserving sight.
Will I need injections forever?
Most patients need ongoing maintenance. With a treat‑and‑extend plan, intervals may lengthen (e.g., 8–16 weeks) if the macula stays dry.
Can Valeda PBM treat wet AMD?
No. Valeda PBM is for dry AMD. For wet AMD we focus on urgent diagnosis and referral for anti‑VEGF therapy, then co‑manage imaging.
What happens if only one eye is wet?
We treat the affected eye urgently and closely monitor the fellow eye. If dry AMD is present there, Valeda PBM may be considered.
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