More than 200 million people around the world are living with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss among older adults. While treatments have existed for years to slow the disease, exciting new advancements are bringing us closer than ever to protecting—and even restoring—vision.
In this article, we’ll highlight six promising new treatments for macular degeneration, from gene therapy and stem cell research to cutting-edge drug delivery systems.
What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
AMD is a condition that damages the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. Imagine the eye as a camera: light passes through the cornea, lens, and vitreous gel before reaching the retina at the back. The macula, located at the center of the retina, provides the ability to read, recognize faces, and see fine details.
When the macula deteriorates, central vision becomes blurry, distorted, or lost altogether.
There are two main types of AMD:
- Dry AMD (most common): Caused by the buildup of protein deposits (drusen) under the retina, which interfere with macular function.
- Wet AMD: Develops from dry AMD when the body tries to compensate by growing new blood vessels. Unfortunately, these vessels leak fluid and blood, leading to faster and more severe vision loss.
Current Treatments
Treatment depends on whether AMD is dry or wet, and on the stage of the disease. A comprehensive eye exam, including OCT scans and other tests, guides the care plan.
- Dry AMD: No approved medications exist yet, but progression can be slowed with lifestyle choices like a nutrient-rich diet, smoking cessation, blood pressure control, and certain doctor-recommended supplements.
- Wet AMD: The mainstay of treatment is anti-VEGF injections (Lucentis, Eylea, or Avastin), which block abnormal blood vessel growth and fluid leakage. Laser or photodynamic therapy may also be used.
Anti-VEGF therapy is highly effective—stabilizing vision in about 90% of patients and even improving it in 30%. However, the need for frequent eye injections can be burdensome.
6 Promising New Treatments for Macular Degeneration
The next generation of AMD care aims to target the root causes of the disease, restore lost vision, and reduce the burden of treatment. Here are six exciting developments:
1. Gene Therapy
Instead of repeated injections, gene therapy teaches the eye to produce its own anti-VEGF proteins. Two therapies—RGX-314 and ADVM-022—are in clinical trials for wet AMD, while HMR59 and GT005 show promise for slowing late-stage dry AMD.
2. Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy replaces damaged retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells with healthy lab-grown ones. If researchers can perfect safe, long-term delivery methods, this approach could potentially repair retinal damage and restore vision.
3. Complement Inhibitors for Late-Stage Dry AMD
In geographic atrophy, the advanced stage of dry AMD, the immune system can over-attack healthy retinal tissue. Complement inhibitors—including Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) and Izervay (avacincaptad pegol), both approved in 2023—slow the growth of retinal lesions by calming this overactive immune response.
4. Long-Acting Anti-VEGF Drugs
To reduce the burden of frequent injections, new long-lasting medications such as Eylea HD (aflibercept) and Vabysmo (faricimab) deliver extended protection with fewer treatments. Approved in 2023, these drugs can keep patients on track with less frequent office visits.
5. Implantable Drug Delivery Systems
The Susvimo implant (ranibizumab) continuously releases medication over six months. While it requires a minor surgical procedure and periodic refills, it offers the same results as standard anti-VEGF injections with far fewer appointments.
6. Light Therapy
The FDA approved photobiomodulation (the Valeda Light Delivery System) in 2024 for dry AMD. This non-invasive therapy uses red and near-infrared light to boost cellular energy and improve retinal function. Studies show it can slow disease progression and, in some cases, improve vision.
Looking Ahead
The introduction of anti-VEGF therapy revolutionized AMD care. Now, in 2025, we are entering a new era of treatments that not only slow progression but also aim to restore sight—while being less invasive and more patient-friendly.
For those living with macular degeneration, the future is brighter than ever. For questions regarding macular degeneration, or low vision services, contact Dr. Bissell at 724-443-6767 or 724-226-0444.
About Bissell Eye Care: John D. Bissell, OD, is the owner of Bissell Eye Care, proudly serving the Northern Pittsburgh and Alle-Kiski Valley regions. Dr. Bissell has received advanced training through the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists, enabling him to help patients living with vision impairment and low vision challenges. With two convenient office locations and evening appointments available, Bissell Eye Care offers comprehensive eye exams for the entire family—starting as young as six months. Our services include ocular disease detection and treatment, prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses, specialty activewear eyewear, contact lenses, and dedicated low vision evaluations for those with significant vision impairment and vision loss. We accept most vision and health insurance plans. To learn more, visit bisselleyecare.com or call our Bakerstown office at 724-443-6767 or our Natrona Heights office at 724-226-0444.
