What is a common treatment approach for wet AMD?

Intravitreal injections are a common and effective treatment approach for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Wet AMD is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the retina, which can lead to vision loss. The primary goal of treatment is to inhibit the growth of these abnormal vessels and manage the symptoms associated with the condition.

Intravitreal injections deliver medications directly into the eye, allowing for higher concentrations of the therapeutic agents in the targeted area. The most frequently used medications in this treatment regimen are anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) agents, which work by blocking the action of VEGF, a protein that promotes the growth of blood vessels. By reducing the proliferation of these vessels, intravitreal injections can help stabilize vision or, in some cases, improve it.

Other treatment options for wet AMD, although sometimes used in certain contexts, either do not address the underlying mechanism effectively or are geared toward different types of eye conditions. For instance, oral antibiotics are typically used for bacterial infections, glasses do not treat the underlying retinal pathology of wet AMD, and laser therapy is generally directed at specific conditions rather than being a standard treatment for wet AMD itself.