Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) degrades the macula—the central retina responsible for detailed vision—causing progressive central vision loss. Early detection and treatment can slow progression and preserve functional vision. Wet AMD is more aggressive; dry AMD is more common.
For dry AMD, high-dose antioxidant vitamins (AREDS formula: vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, zinc, copper, lutein, zeaxanthin) have strong evidence for slowing progression in intermediate-to-advanced disease; supplements are taken daily long-term. Sun protection (UV-blocking glasses) and smoking cessation halt progression. Low-vision aids and rehabilitation help optimise remaining vision. For wet AMD (neovascular), anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections directly into the eye—bevacizumab, ranibizumab, aflibercept, brolucizumab—are standard therapy. Injections are repeated monthly or quarterly depending on agent and disease activity, monitored by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is second-line, using light-activated drugs to destroy abnormal vessels. Thermal laser was older but is rarely used now.
Dietary approaches emphasising leafy greens, colourful vegetables (rich in lutein and zeaxanthin), and omega-3 fatty acids support eye health. Supplements beyond AREDS (astaxanthin, ginkgo biloba) are promoted with limited evidence. Acupuncture and herbal treatments are used in traditional medicine but lack robust clinical support. Amsler grid self-testing allows early detection of wet AMD changes, enabling prompt treatment.
Regenerative approaches for AMD, particularly dry AMD, are in development. Retinal stem cells and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells derived from embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells are being investigated to replace damaged tissue. Sub-retinal injection of stem cell-derived RPE or photoreceptor precursor cells aims to restore vision; several clinical trials are underway. For wet AMD, anti-inflammatory stem-cell therapies are being explored alongside standard VEGF inhibitors. These remain highly investigational and available only in research settings. See regenerative eye-restoration options and clinical trial eligibility.
| Option | Type | Evidence | Indicative cost | Invasiveness | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AREDS vitamin supplementation | Standard | Strong | €30–60/month | Low | Ongoing; 6–12 months to stabilise |
| Anti-VEGF injections (wet AMD) | Standard | Strong | €1,000–2,000 per injection | Medium | Few days; repeated monthly/quarterly |
| Photodynamic therapy (PDT) | Standard | Moderate | €1,500–3,000 per session | Medium | Few days; sessions repeated as needed |
| Low-vision aids & rehabilitation | Standard | Strong | €500–5,000 | Low | Ongoing; training weeks to months |
| Smoking cessation & UV protection | Standard | Strong | €0–100 | Low | Ongoing; halts progression |
| High-antioxidant dietary approach | Alternative | Moderate | €20–50/month | Low | Ongoing; 3+ months trial |
| Supplemental lutein & zeaxanthin | Alternative | Limited | €20–40/month | Low | Ongoing; 3–6 months trial |
| Stem-cell retinal replacement | Regenerative | Investigational | €20,000–50,000 | High | Weeks to months; early-phase trials |
Dry AMD progresses slowly over years; wet AMD can advance to vision loss within weeks or months. AREDS supplementation is recommended for intermediate-to-advanced dry AMD (drusen with pigment changes or advanced in one eye) and after wet AMD diagnosis to protect the fellow eye. Discuss timing with your ophthalmologist based on your disease stage.
Anti-VEGF therapy is typically ongoing; injections are repeated monthly initially, then possibly every 8–12 weeks depending on response and drug used. Long-term treatment (years) is common. OCT scans monitor disease activity; if stable and dry, injection intervals may extend, but stopping often triggers recurrence.
Current standard therapies slow progression but do not reverse established vision loss. Early detection and prompt anti-VEGF therapy for wet AMD preserves vision best. Investigational stem-cell approaches aim to regenerate retinal tissue, but evidence is very early. Maximising remaining vision through aids and rehabilitation is essential.
We link primary regulators, registries and peer-reviewed research so you can verify everything yourself — plus the treating clinic's own materials.
Educational overview of treatment options; not medical advice. Standard treatments reflect mainstream guidance; regenerative/stem-cell uses are largely investigational. Reviewed by the StemCellAtlas editorial team.
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