10 Questions to Ask Your Eye Doctor About Wet Macular Degeneration

What is Wet Macular Degeneration?

Wet macular degeneration is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that causes abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina. These fragile vessels often leak fluid or blood, leading to blurred or distorted central vision. Unlike dry AMD, which progresses more slowly, wet AMD develops quickly and requires immediate medical attention to preserve eyesight. A common early symptom is seeing straight lines appear wavy, or noticing a central blind spot in vision. Although it does not lead to complete blindness, it significantly impacts reading, driving, and recognizing faces, affecting independence and quality of life. Understanding what wet AMD is and how it progresses is the first step in asking the right questions during your eye doctor visits.

What Symptoms Should I Watch For?

A critical question for your doctor is which symptoms indicate progression of wet AMD. While blurry central vision is a hallmark sign, it’s not the only one. Patients may experience rapid vision loss, faded colors, difficulty adapting to low light, or a central dark spot. In some cases, symptoms can appear in just one eye while the other seems unaffected, tricking patients into delaying care. Ask your doctor about using an Amsler grid at home to monitor changes between visits. Eye doctors may also recommend routine optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans to track disease activity. Early recognition of vision distortion can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Lifestyle changes such as diet modification with omega‑3 fatty acids and lutein-rich foods also support eye health. Understanding which red flags to watch for empowers patients to seek timely intervention.

What Are the Stages of Wet AMD?

Wet macular degeneration progresses in stages that range from initial abnormal blood vessel formation to advanced leakage and scar tissue development. In the early stage, patients may only notice subtle blurriness or mild distortion. The intermediate stage often involves more pronounced central vision impairment, affecting reading and driving. In advanced AMD, scar tissue can permanently damage the macula, leading to severe visual disability. Ask your doctor how your disease is classified and whether your current stage should guide treatment decisions. Retinal specialists may use fluorescein angiography or OCT to provide detailed staging. Knowing your stage influences both treatment urgency and long-term prognosis. Clarifying exactly where you are in the disease process helps patients manage expectations and remain proactive with care.

What Treatment Options Exist?

There have been dramatic advancements in wet AMD treatment over the last fifteen years. Anti-VEGF injections such as Lucentis (ranibizumab), Eylea (aflibercept), and Vabysmo (faricimab) are now the gold standard. These medications block vascular endothelial growth factor, which drives abnormal blood vessel growth. Treatments may initially be required every four to six weeks, though extended dosing schedules are now possible with newer biologics like Susvimo, a port-delivery system developed by Genentech. Ask your doctor which anti-VEGF drug is ideal for your condition, how often administration will be needed, and whether combination therapy with laser photocoagulation or photodynamic therapy may be an option. Lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking, managing hypertension, and wearing UV-protective sunglasses may complement medical treatments. A tailored strategy often makes the biggest difference.

How Much Do Injections Cost?

Patients often worry about wet AMD injection costs, as ongoing treatment can add up significantly. On average, an anti-VEGF injection may cost between $1,800 and $2,500 per dose in the United States, although insurance coverage, Medicare, and supplemental plans usually offset much of this expense. Bevacizumab (Avastin), though not FDA-approved for AMD, is sometimes compounded and offered as a lower-cost alternative at $50–$100 per injection. Ask your doctor about the cost differences between Lucentis, Eylea, and Avastin, and how reimbursement policies apply. Understanding billing codes, insurance coverage limits, and co-payment assistance programs offered by manufacturers such as Regeneron or Genentech can prevent financial strain. Always request transparent cost breakdowns so that the financial burden does not prevent consistent adherence to the injection schedule.

What Are Treatment Risks and Side Effects?

No medical procedure is without risk, and wet AMD injections have potential complications such as eye infection, inflammation, retinal detachment, and increased intraocular pressure. Most side effects, including mild discomfort, floaters, or redness, are temporary and manageable. Serious complications are rare but should be discussed openly with your ophthalmologist. Ask what emergency symptoms you should monitor after receiving an injection and whether long-term cumulative risks exist with repeated injections. Inquire about pre‑injection antiseptic protocols to minimize infection risk, as well as anesthetic options to improve comfort. Understanding the balance between benefits and risks ensures you are making informed choices about your long-term vision care.

Can Lifestyle Changes Support Treatment?

While medical therapy is crucial, complementing professional treatment with healthy lifestyle choices can help protect vision. Ask your doctor about evidence-based dietary supplements such as the AREDS2 formula, which has been shown to slow dry AMD progression and may provide added protective benefit in wet AMD management. Discuss the importance of controlling systemic conditions like high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, as these can exacerbate macular degeneration. Activity, balanced diet, and avoidance of smoking significantly improve general eye health. Your ophthalmologist can recommend safe exercise routines and stress reduction practices since overall vascular health relates closely to retinal integrity. By aligning daily habits with treatment strategies, patients strengthen their chance of maintaining vision over time.

How Often Should I Have Checkups?

The frequency of follow-up visits is a crucial topic to discuss. For newly diagnosed wet AMD patients, monthly monitoring is often required until disease stability is achieved. Once treatments stabilize the retina, intervals may extend to every two or three months under “treat-and-extend” protocols. Ask your doctor about their preferred follow-up strategy and whether new diagnostic imaging technologies, such as OCT angiography, can reduce visit frequency while still providing precise insight. Some clinics connected to research centers may even offer AI-guided screening tools that forecast risk of recurrence. Your eye care team will personalize the monitoring schedule, ensuring that changes are detected as early as possible so adjustments can be made quickly.

Are There New Clinical Trials Available?

Medical innovation is constant in wet AMD management. Pharmaceutical leaders like Roche, Novartis, and Regeneron are developing next-generation biologics aimed at reducing injection frequency and improving durability. Ask your doctor whether participation in a clinical trial is appropriate. Many trials test long-acting delivery methods, gene therapy approaches, or biosimilar substitutes that could lower costs. Clinical trial enrollment can offer access to cutting-edge treatments before they become commercially available, though it also carries risks. Your ophthalmologist can evaluate eligibility criteria, logistics, and expected benefits. Being informed about ongoing research provides hope for more convenient and effective treatment in the near future, reducing patient burden while preserving eyesight.

What Is My Long-Term Prognosis?

Ultimately, patients want to know how their story unfolds. Long-term vision outcomes vary depending on early diagnosis, adherence to treatment, and individual response to therapy. Some patients maintain relatively stable vision for years, while others face gradual deterioration despite aggressive therapy. Ask your doctor about realistic expectations, whether assistive vision technologies or rehabilitation services may be helpful, and what advances on the horizon could influence future care. Devices like handheld magnifiers, electronic readers, and low-vision aids expand independence. Understanding prognosis is not about predicting the impossible—it is about empowering yourself with knowledge, resources, and a proactive action plan to protect vision and quality of life.