Are blurred central vision, distorted lines, or dark spots making daily activities more difficult? At New York Retina Center, Dr. Brandon Johnson understands how concerning vision changes can feel. Intravitreal injections for wet macular degeneration can help control abnormal blood vessel leakage, preserve vision, and, for some patients, improve visual function.
Slow the Progression of Wet AMD
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula, the central portion of your retina responsible for the sharp, detailed vision you use to read, drive, and recognize faces. In wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels can develop beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood, potentially causing rapid changes in your central vision.
Intravitreal injections deliver medication directly into the vitreous, the gel-like substance inside your eye. For wet AMD, anti-VEGF medications block vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that promotes abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage. By suppressing VEGF activity, injections can reduce retinal fluid and help slow or stabilize vision loss. Some patients may also experience improvement in their vision with ongoing treatment.
Intravitreal Injections for Macular Degeneration Can Treat These Symptoms:
- Blurred or reduced central vision
- Straight lines that appear wavy or distorted
- Dark, blurry, or blank spots in your central vision
- Difficulty recognizing faces clearly
- Trouble reading or seeing fine details
- Reduced contrast sensitivity
- Colors appearing less bright or vivid
- Vision changes caused by retinal fluid or swelling
What Happens During Intravitreal Injections for Macular Degeneration?
Before your injection, your eye is numbed with an anesthetic to keep you comfortable and carefully cleaned with an antiseptic to reduce the risk of infection. Your eyelids are gently held open so you do not need to worry about blinking. You’ll look in a specific direction while Dr. Johnson carefully places a very fine needle through the white part of your eye to deliver the medication into the vitreous. The injection itself takes only seconds.
Types of Intravitreal Injections for Diabetic Retinopathy
Several medications are available for treating wet age-related macular degeneration, allowing your treatment to be tailored to your condition, response, and individual needs. Dr. Johnson can evaluate your retina and recommend an appropriate option and schedule.
Eylea
Eylea (aflibercept) is an FDA-approved medication widely used to treat wet AMD. It blocks VEGF, a protein that encourages abnormal, leaky blood vessels to develop beneath the retina. By controlling this leakage and reducing fluid in the retina, Eylea can help slow further vision loss. Your schedule may be adjusted over time depending on how well your eye responds.
Eylea HD
Eylea HD is a higher-dose version of aflibercept that is also FDA-approved for wet AMD. It works in the same general way as Eylea, targeting VEGF to control abnormal blood vessel leakage and fluid buildup. The higher dose helps keep the medication working longer, which may allow some patients to go more time between treatments after their initial injections.
Vabysmo
Vabysmo (faricimab-svoa) is an FDA-approved wet AMD treatment that works a little differently. It targets both VEGF-A and another protein called Ang-2, which are involved in leaky, unstable blood vessels in the retina. By addressing both pathways, Vabysmo helps control fluid and abnormal blood vessel activity. Your treatment schedule can be personalized to you.
Avastin
Avastin (bevacizumab) also blocks VEGF and has been used extensively by retina specialists to manage wet AMD. Unlike the other medications above, Avastin is used “off-label,” meaning it is FDA-approved for other medical purposes but not specifically for wet AMD. When injected into the eye, it can reduce blood vessel leakage and help protect your remaining central vision.
Schedule Your Consultation
New York Retina Center is dedicated to helping you protect your vision with attentive, compassionate retinal care. Dr. Brandon Johnson is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 15 years of experience as a retina specialist, with advanced training at the Perelman School of Medicine, Wills Eye Institute, and Emory Eye Center. If changes in your vision are causing concern, you deserve clear answers. Schedule your consultation for intravitreal injections for macular degeneration in Manhattan today.
