How Does Wet AMD Affect My Vision?


A protein called vascular endothelial (VASS-cue-ler end-oh-THEEL-e-ull) growth factor, or VEGF (vej‑EFF), helps grow new blood vessels.

  • In wet AMD, unhealthy amounts of VEGF in the eye are linked to abnormal blood vessel growth in the back of the eye
  • As new vessels grow, they leak blood and fluid. This damages the macula and causes problems with vision when looking straight ahead, such as dark spots or wavy lines

Eye With VEGF

Image of Eye Showing Increased VEGF Causing Abnormal Vessel Growth

Watch the video to see how wet AMD can change vision over time

This video is meant to show you a range of symptoms you may experience. Symptoms can vary depending on the severity level of the disease and will be unique for each person. If you experience any problems with vision, contact your Retina Specialist right away.


A Retina Specialist can help

Wet AMD is a chronic disease. This means that it doesn’t go away, but it can be treated. 

  • Your vision will likely continue to get worse without treatment
  • By starting treatment and sticking with your doctor’s plan, you take an important step in helping to manage your wet AMD
  • If you think you are experiencing problems with vision from wet AMD, make an appointment with a Retina Specialist right away

Appointment Calendar
Make a Retina Specialist Appointment

If you do not have a Retina Specialist, ask your ophthalmologist or primary care physician about a referral or use the Find a Retina Specialist tool.

Find a Retina Specialist

Financial Assistance Options

Financial Assistance Options

There may be options to help you afford LUCENTIS, no matter what type of health insurance you have. Learn about Genentech Ophthalmology Access Solutions.

Important Safety Information & Indication

Who is LUCENTIS for? LUCENTIS® (ranibizumab injection) is a prescription medicine for the treatment of patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD).

What important safety information should I know about LUCENTIS? You should not use LUCENTIS if you have an infection in or around the eye or are allergic to LUCENTIS or any of its ingredients. LUCENTIS is a prescription medication given by injection into the eye, and it has side effects. Some LUCENTIS patients have had detached retinas and serious eye infections. If your eye becomes red, sensitive to light, or painful, or if you have a change in vision, call or visit your eye doctor right away.

Some LUCENTIS patients have had increases in eye pressure before and within 1 hour of an injection.

Uncommonly, LUCENTIS patients have had serious, sometimes fatal, problems related to blood clots, such as heart attacks or strokes.

Severe inflammation of vessels in the retina has happened for patients treated with LUCENTIS. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience a change in vision.

Some LUCENTIS patients have serious side effects related to the injection. These include serious infections inside the eye, detached retinas, and cataracts. The most common eye-related side effects are increased redness in the white of the eye, eye pain, small specks in vision, and increased eye pressure. The most common non–eye-related side effects are nose and throat infections, anemia, nausea and cough. Ask your doctor if you have questions or want more information.

You may report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555.

For additional Safety Information, please talk to your doctor and see the LUCENTIS full Prescribing Information.