Treatments for AMD

Treatments for AMD

Treatment for AMD depends on its stage. For wet AMD, several treatments can help preserve vision. For geographic atrophy, the first treatments were approved in 2023. For early and intermediate dry AMD, options remain limited, which is why research is so urgent. Use the chart below to see what is available at each stage, then talk with your eye doctor about what is right for you.

Treatments by stage

Treatments for early and intermediate dry AMD

AREDS2-formula supplements. The National Eye Institute's Age-Related Eye Disease Studies found that a specific combination of vitamins and minerals can slow progression of intermediate AMD to advanced AMD in people at higher risk. The AREDS2 formula contains 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 international units of vitamin E, 80 mg of zinc (as zinc oxide), 2 mg of copper (as cupric oxide), 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin. Supplements are available over the counter, but ask your eye doctor whether they are right for you.

Valeda photobiomodulation. In November 2024, the FDA authorized the Valeda Light Delivery System, a noninvasive light therapy, for people with dry AMD. In its pivotal clinical trial, treated patients gained more than five letters of visual acuity over 24 months, about one line on an eye chart.

Healthy habits. Not smoking, eating a diet rich in leafy greens and fish, and protecting your eyes from the sun support overall eye health.

Treatments for geographic atrophy

SYFOVRE and IZERVAY. In 2023, the FDA approved SYFOVRE (pegcetacoplan) from Apellis and IZERVAY (avacincaptad pegol) from Astellas, the first treatments for GA. Both are injected into the eye by a retinal specialist and work by calming part of the immune system, called the complement system, that is overactive in AMD. SYFOVRE blocks a protein called C3, and IZERVAY blocks a protein called C5. Both slow the growth of GA lesions but do not restore vision that has already been lost.

PRIMA retinal implant. PRIMA, from Science Corporation, is a tiny implant placed under the retina that works with special glasses to restore some central vision in people with GA. It has launched in Europe, and U.S. approval is in progress.

Treatments for wet AMD

Most wet AMD treatments are injections into the eye that block VEGF, a protein that drives the growth of leaky blood vessels. Started early and given on schedule, they can help many people keep their vision.

• EYLEA (aflibercept), Regeneron: Approved in 2011. EYLEA HD, a higher-dose, longer-acting version, was approved in 2023.
• LUCENTIS (ranibizumab), Genentech: Approved in 2006.
• VABYSMO (faricimab-svoa), Genentech: Approved in 2022. It blocks two disease pathways, and many patients can go 8 to 16 weeks between injections after the first four monthly doses.
• SUSVIMO (ranibizumab implant), Genentech: A tiny, refillable implant that delivers medication continuously, reducing the number of injections.
• Avastin (bevacizumab): A cancer drug that some ophthalmologists use off-label. A National Eye Institute study found it similar to LUCENTIS in safety and effectiveness.

AREDS2 and "AREDS3": what is the difference?

AREDS2 is the formula tested by the National Eye Institute. "AREDS3" is not a new National Eye Institute study or formula. It is a product name used by one brand for a supplement that combines the AREDS2 nutrients with added B vitamins. Several brands sell AREDS2-based supplements with added ingredients. Ask your eye doctor which supplement, if any, is right for you.

Clinical trials

The treatment landscape for AMD is changing quickly. More than 20 potential therapies for dry AMD and geographic atrophy are in clinical trials, including gene therapies, RNA therapies, new drugs and cell-based therapies. For wet AMD, gene therapies designed to reduce the need for frequent injections have advanced to late-stage trials.

Many of these trials were made possible by Foundation support.

Talk with your doctor

Every person's AMD is different. A retinal specialist can tell you which treatments fit your stage and needs.