About the service
We provide expert assessment and treatment for people with age‑related macular degeneration (AMD), a common eye condition that affects central vision. Our consultant‑led ophthalmology service focuses on early diagnosis, personalised treatment and ongoing support to help protect your sight and quality of life.
What is age-related macular degeneration?
Age‑related macular degeneration affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. AMD can make everyday activities such as reading, recognising faces or driving more difficult. While AMD does not usually cause complete blindness, early diagnosis and treatment are important to slow progression and manage symptoms effectively. AMD affects one in 100 people aged 65 to 75 years old and approximately one in eight people over the age of 85 have AMD that causes visual loss.
There are two main types of AMD: dry AMD and wet AMD.
Dry AMD
Dry AMD is the most common form of age‑related macular degeneration. It develops when the cells in the macula gradually become damaged and stop working as well as they should. This happens slowly, usually over many months or years.
People with dry AMD may notice:
gradual blurring or distortion in the centre of their vision
difficulty reading or recognising faces
needing brighter light for close‑up tasks
Vision loss with dry AMD is usually slow and mild to moderate, and many people retain useful vision for everyday activities. At present, there is no cure for dry AMD, but regular monitoring is important as some people with dry AMD can go on to develop wet AMD.
Wet AMD
Wet AMD is less common but more serious than dry AMD. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow underneath the retina. These blood vessels are fragile and can leak fluid or bleed, causing damage to the macula.
Wet AMD can cause:
sudden or rapidly worsening central vision loss
distorted vision, where straight lines may appear wavy
a dark or blurred area in the centre of vision
Unlike dry AMD, wet AMD can progress quickly, sometimes over weeks or months. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to help slow the condition and preserve as much vision as possible. Treatments are available that can help stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels and stabilise vision in many patients.
Treatments we offer
Dry AMD
At present, there is no medical treatment that can reverse or stop dry AMD. However, many people with dry AMD keep useful vision for a long time, and supportive care plays an important role.
Management of dry AMD may include:
advice on lifestyle changes including nutritional supplements based on AREDS 2 study (vitamins C, E, zinc, copper, lutein, zeaxanthin)
manage blood pressure and cholesterol
regular eye monitoring, often using an Amsler grid at home (an Amsler grid is an at-home tool used to monitor for early signs of AMD by detecting wavy, broken, or blurry lines)
avoid active or passive smoking
low‑vision support, including magnifiers and visual aids to help with reading and daily activities
Your consultant will explain how to monitor your vision at home and arrange regular reviews so that any changes can be picked up early.
Wet AMD
Treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) focuses on slowing vision loss, preserving remaining sight, and sometimes improving vision. It’s a long-term condition, but modern therapies are quite effective if started early.
Main treatments:
Anti‑VEGF injections (primary treatment)
These are medicines injected into the eye that stop abnormal blood vessels from growing and leaking and block a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor. These injections help reduce swelling and bleeding under the retina and can stabilise vision in many patients, and in some cases improve it.
Common medications include:
Aflibercept
Faricimab
Ranibizumab
Bevacizumab
Brolucizumab
Treatment is usually given as a course of injections with regular follow‑up appointments. The frequency of treatment depends on how your eye responds and will be tailored to you by your consultant.
Photodynamic therapy
In some cases, light‑based treatments (usually Verteporfin) plus a laser to seal abnormal blood vessels may be used alongside injections, but injections are the mainstay of treatment for wet AMD.
Why choose us?
Your care is led by consultant ophthalmologists with extensive experience in diagnosing and managing AMD, including both dry and wet forms. We provide access to modern diagnostic imaging and evidence‑based treatments and care plans are tailored to your individual needs and reviewed regularly to ensure the best possible outcomes. Our consultants take time to explain your diagnosis, treatment options and next steps clearly, so you feel informed, supported and involved in decisions about your care.
Find out more about age related macular degeneration diagnosis and treatment
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation to find out more, please contact us:
