What is the difference between dry and wet AMD?

Dry AMD is the more common form (~90% of cases) and causes gradual central vision loss with deposits called drusen; there is no specific cure. Wet AMD is less common but more aggressive, caused by leaky abnormal blood vessels, and can cause rapid vision loss — but it can be treated with anti-VEGF injections, especially if caught early.

How do I use an Amsler grid to check my eyes?

Hold the grid at normal reading distance, cover one eye, and stare at the central dot. Note whether any lines look wavy, bent, broken or missing, then repeat with the other eye. New distortion or a missing area is a warning sign of wet AMD and should be reviewed urgently by an eye doctor.

Does smoking really increase AMD risk?

Yes. Smokers are roughly four times more likely to develop advanced or wet AMD than non-smokers, and smoking is also linked to a poorer response to anti-VEGF treatment. Stopping smoking is the single most important step you can take to lower your AMD risk.

There is currently no cure for dry AMD, though monitoring and, for selected high-risk patients, AREDS2 supplements may slow progression. Wet AMD cannot be cured but can often be controlled with regular anti-VEGF injections to preserve vision, which work best when treatment starts early.

When should I get my eyes checked for AMD?

Risk rises with age, so regular eye checks are wise from your 50s-60s, or earlier if you have a family history of AMD. Seek urgent eye care — rather than waiting — if you notice sudden central blurring, distortion of straight lines, or a dark spot in your central vision.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) in Singapore

Written & reviewed by the BestDoctors.sg editorial team · Last updated 2 Jul 2026 · General information, not medical advice

Quick answer. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) damages the macula, the central part of the retina, causing loss of sharp central vision used for reading and recognising faces. There are two types: dry AMD (about 90% of cases, gradual) and wet AMD (less common but more aggressive, from leaky abnormal blood vessels). In Singapore around one in four people aged 60 and above is affected. Key risk factors are increasing age, smoking (roughly four times the risk) and family history. Use an Amsler grid to self-monitor — new wavy, distorted or missing central vision is a red flag needing urgent review. Wet AMD is treated with anti-VEGF eye injections, most effective when started early. Don’t smoke, eat a healthy diet and get regular eye checks.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula — the small central area of the retina responsible for the sharp, detailed vision you use to read, drive and recognise faces. As the population ages, AMD is an increasingly important cause of vision loss in Singapore: studies have found that around one in four people aged 60 and above is affected to some degree.

AMD usually does not cause pain, and early changes can be subtle, so many people only notice it once central vision is affected. The encouraging news is that early detection — especially of the more aggressive ‘wet’ form — allows treatment that can preserve vision. This guide explains the types, risk factors, warning signs, treatment and prevention.

At a glance

Dry vs wet AMD (an eye doctor confirms the type and treatment)
Feature	Dry AMD	Wet AMD
Frequency	More common (~90% of cases)	Less common but more aggressive
What happens	Gradual breakdown of macular cells; drusen deposits	Abnormal blood vessels leak fluid/blood under the retina
Vision change	Slow, gradual central blurring over time	Rapid distortion, central blur or a dark/blank spot
Treatment	No specific cure; AREDS2 supplements may help selected high-risk patients	Anti-VEGF eye injections, most effective if started early
Urgency	Monitor; regular eye reviews	Urgent — sudden distortion needs prompt assessment

Dry vs wet AMD

AMD comes in two main forms:

Dry AMD accounts for roughly 90% of cases. The macular cells break down slowly and yellowish deposits called drusen build up, causing gradual central vision loss. There is currently no specific cure, though it is monitored and managed.
Wet (neovascular) AMD is less common but more aggressive. Abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood, which can cause rapid distortion and central vision loss if untreated. Dry AMD can sometimes progress to wet AMD.

Risk factors

The main risk factors for AMD include:

Increasing age — the biggest factor; risk rises markedly after age 60.
Smoking — smokers are around four times more likely to develop advanced/wet AMD, and smoking is also linked to poorer response to treatment.
Family history of AMD.
Cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure and obesity.

Age and family history cannot be changed, but not smoking and managing cardiovascular health are within your control.

Warning signs and the Amsler grid

Watch for these symptoms, especially if you are over 60:

Blurring of central vision (gradual in dry AMD, sometimes rapid in wet AMD).
Straight lines looking wavy, bent or distorted (metamorphopsia).
A dark, blurred or missing patch in the centre of vision.
Difficulty reading, recognising faces, or reduced colour/contrast.

The Amsler grid is a simple self-check: cover one eye, look at the central dot, and note if any lines appear wavy, broken or missing — then repeat with the other eye. New distortion is a red flag for wet AMD and needs urgent eye review.

Treatment: anti-VEGF for wet AMD

Treatment depends on the type:

Wet AMD is treated with anti-VEGF injections (such as ranibizumab, aflibercept or bevacizumab) given into the eye. These block the abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage. Repeated injections over time are usually needed, and treatment is most effective when started early, before permanent damage occurs.
Dry AMD has no specific cure, but for selected patients at higher risk, AREDS2-formula supplements may reduce the risk of progression to advanced AMD. These should be taken on an eye doctor’s advice, not assumed to suit everyone.

Why early detection matters

Because wet AMD can damage central vision quickly, catching it early is crucial — anti-VEGF treatment works best before significant scarring develops. Regular eye examinations (including retinal checks) help detect AMD before vision is badly affected, and at-home Amsler grid monitoring helps you spot sudden changes. If you notice new distortion or a sudden central blur, seek eye care urgently rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Prevention and protecting your vision

You can lower your risk and protect remaining vision by:

Not smoking (or stopping) — the single most important modifiable risk factor.
Eating a healthy diet rich in leafy green vegetables, fish and fruit, and managing weight, blood pressure and cholesterol.
Wearing UV-protective sunglasses outdoors.
Having regular eye checks, especially from your 50s-60s or earlier if you have a family history.

Taking AREDS2 supplements should be discussed with an eye doctor, as they are intended for specific higher-risk patients.

What to expect at the eye appointment

If AMD is suspected, the eye doctor will check your vision, examine the macula and often use drops to widen (dilate) your pupils for a clearer view of the retina. Dilation can blur your vision and make light feel bright for a few hours, so arrange transport home and bring sunglasses. Imaging such as a retinal scan may be done to look for fluid or abnormal blood vessels, which helps distinguish dry from wet AMD and guides treatment.

Living well with AMD

A diagnosis does not mean losing all your sight, as AMD affects central rather than peripheral vision. Practical steps can help you stay independent:

Use brighter task lighting and magnifiers for reading and close work.
Make the most of large-print materials, audiobooks and screen zoom settings.
Keep up the Amsler grid check at home and report new distortion promptly.
Continue managing blood pressure, cholesterol and weight, and do not smoke.

Low-vision support services and aids can make everyday tasks easier; ask your eye care team what is available.

Common questions

If I have AMD in one eye, will the other be affected?

There is an increased risk to the second eye, which is why regular monitoring and home Amsler grid checks are important.

Do anti-VEGF injections cure wet AMD?

They do not cure it, but they can control leakage and help preserve vision. Repeated injections over time are usually needed, and starting early gives the best results.

Are supplements useful for everyone?

No. AREDS2-formula supplements are intended for selected higher-risk patients and should be taken on an eye doctor’s advice.

Related guides

Best Eye Clinics in Singapore — our editorial shortlist
eye clinics directory
Myopia control in children
Squint & lazy eye (amblyopia)
Pterygium (surfer's eye)

Sources

Last updated 22 June 2026. Prices are typical market ranges gathered from the cited sources and vary by clinic, doctor and individual case — they are not quotes. This guide is general information, not medical advice; always consult a qualified, MOH-accredited doctor before any treatment.

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