A plain-English guide to how age-related macular degeneration (AMD) progresses, based on the AREDS early / intermediate / late stages. Understand each stage, what changes, and where treatment fits.
In short: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) progresses through early, intermediate and late stages, defined by changes in the retina (drusen) and whether central vision is lost. Late AMD has two forms: dry (geographic atrophy) and wet (neovascular).
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Early AMD | Medium-sized deposits (drusen) under the retina with no vision loss. Often found only on a routine eye exam. |
| Intermediate AMD | Large drusen and/or pigment changes; some people notice mild blurring of central vision. Risk of progression rises. |
| Late AMD — dry (geographic atrophy) | Retinal cells break down, causing a gradual loss of central vision over months to years. |
| Late AMD — wet (neovascular) | Abnormal blood vessels leak under the retina, causing rapid central vision loss — a medical urgency treated with anti-VEGF injections. |
Source: AREDS/AREDS2 classification. Diagnosed by an ophthalmologist with OCT imaging. Staging is a clinical assessment — only a qualified specialist can stage your condition.
Conventional, stage-appropriate treatment is the foundation for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Stem-cell therapy is investigational for this condition — not an approved cure. For an honest, sourced look at the evidence, cost and open trials, see stem cell therapy for Macular Degeneration & Vision and what the success-rate data really shows.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is typically described in 4 stages using the AREDS early / intermediate / late stages. The stages chart how the condition progresses; the pace varies a lot between individuals.
The most advanced stage is “wet (neovascular)” — Abnormal blood vessels leak under the retina, causing rapid central vision loss — a medical urgency treated with anti-VEGF injections.
Stem-cell therapy for Macular Degeneration & Vision is investigational, not an approved cure — see our honest, sourced overview of stem cell therapy for Macular Degeneration & Vision (evidence, cost and trials) before considering it.
GMP-zertifizierte regenerative Medizin mitten in der EU — ab 3.000–8.000 €, ein Bruchteil der US- oder Deutschland-Preise. Individuelle Protokolle für internationale Patienten aus über 50 Ländern.
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