What Is Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

Wet AMD is a type of age-related macular degeneration that mainly affects older adults. In this condition, abnormal blood vessels form under the macula—the part of the retina that helps you see details clearly. These new vessels are fragile and tend to leak fluid and blood. When they do, they can quickly damage the macula and blur your central vision, which is the vision you use to read, drive, and recognize faces. Because wet AMD can lead to sudden vision loss, it is considered an emergency for eye care. Treatments often include medical interventions such as medications injected into the eye, laser therapy, or other procedures to stop or slow down the leaking. If you or someone you know has symptoms like blurred central vision or dark spots in your line of sight, it’s important to visit an eye doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help preserve the vision you still have and prevent further damage.