Protecting Your Central Vision
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Treatment in Singapore
Dr Bobby Cheng provides comprehensive AMD assessment and treatment in Singapore, helping patients manage the condition with timely, personalised care and structured long-term follow-up.
Medically reviewed by Dr Bobby Cheng
Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist
MBBS (Singapore) | MMed (Ophthalmology, Gold Medal) | FRCS (Edinburgh) | FAMS
What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?
The macula is the central region of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision — enabling us to read, recognise faces, and perceive colour with precision. In AMD, the specialised cells of the macula deteriorate over time or are disrupted by the growth of abnormal blood vessels, leading to a progressive loss of central vision.
There are two main forms of AMD:
Dry AMD The more common form, in which the macula gradually thins and the light-sensitive cells break down over time. Vision loss is typically slow and progressive, though it can significantly affect central sight over the long term.
Wet AMD A less common but more serious form, caused by the growth of fragile abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina. These vessels leak fluid or blood into the macula, causing rapid and potentially severe central vision loss. Wet AMD requires prompt treatment to prevent permanent damage.
Although AMD does not typically cause complete blindness — as peripheral vision is usually preserved — its impact on central sight can profoundly affect daily activities such as reading, driving, and recognising faces. Early detection and timely treatment are essential to slowing progression and protecting quality of life.
Who is at Risk?
One or several factors increase the likelihood of AMD:
- Age – most common in people over 50
- Family history – risk is higher if close relatives have AMD
- Smoking – a major modifiable risk factor that significantly increases risk
- High blood pressure or cardiovascular disease – can affect blood flow to the retina
- Long-term sun exposure – prolonged ultraviolet (UV) light may contribute to retinal damage
- Diet low in leafy greens and antioxidants – Poor nutrition may accelerate disease progression
While not all risk factors can be controlled, adopting healthy habits, protecting your eyes from UV exposure and attending regular eye examinations can help lower risk and support long-term eye health.
Symptoms of AMD
AMD may not cause symptoms at first. As it progresses, patients may notice:
Blurred or dim central vision
Straight lines appearing bent or wavy
Dark or empty areas in the centre of vision
Needing brighter light for reading or near tasks
Difficulty recognising faces
How AMD is Diagnosed
AMD is diagnosed through a combination of detailed clinical testing and advanced retinal imaging:
Measures how clearly you can see letters or symbols at various distances. A reduction in central vision may indicate macular changes
You will be asked to look at a grid of straight lines. In AMD, lines may appear distorted, wavy, blurred or missing. This simple test is also useful for home self-monitoring to detect early changes.
A non-invasive scan that provides high-resolution cross-sectional imaging of the retina. OCT can detect retinal thinning in dry AMD and fluid accumulation or leakage in wet AMD. It is one of the most invaluable tools for both diagnosis and ongoing monitoring.
A special dye is injected into a vein in the arm and travels to the eye. A specialised imaging camera then captures detailed pictures of the retinal blood vessels. These tests help to identify abnormal or leaking vessels characteristics of wet AMD and guide treatment planning.
AMD can significantly impact daily life and independence. Early detection and ongoing care make a critical difference in preserving vision.
Don’t delay an eye check if you are at risk for this condition. We provide personalised care for patients seeking Age-Related Macular Degeneration treatment in Singapore, with support across all stages of the disease.
Treatment Options for AMD
The treatment approach for AMD depends on whether the condition is dry or wet. Each form requires a distinct management strategy tailored to the stage and severity of the disease.
- Lifestyle Modifications — Quitting smoking, wearing UV-protective sunglasses, and maintaining a diet rich in leafy greens, colourful fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids such as oily fish may help slow the progression of dry AMD.
- Nutritional Supplements (AREDS2 Formulation) — In intermediate to advanced stages of dry AMD, AREDS2 supplements containing specific vitamins and minerals have been shown in clinical studies to reduce the risk of disease progression. Dr Bobby Cheng will advise whether supplementation is appropriate for your stage of AMD.
- Regular Monitoring — Dry AMD can progress to wet AMD, sometimes without obvious warning symptoms. Routine eye examinations and OCT imaging are essential to detect early changes and allow timely intervention if the condition evolves.
- Intravitreal Injections (Anti-VEGF Therapy) — Medications such as Eylea, Vabysmo, and Lucentis are injected directly into the eye to block abnormal blood vessel growth and reduce fluid leakage. Treatment typically begins with monthly injections, with intervals gradually extended once the condition stabilises under a treat-and-extend approach.
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) — A light-sensitive medication is administered intravenously and travels to the eye, where it is activated by a low-energy laser targeted at the abnormal vessels. This selectively seals the leaking vessels and reduces damage to the surrounding retinal tissue. PDT is sometimes used in combination with intravitreal injections in selected cases.
- Focal Laser Treatment — Less commonly used today, focal laser therapy may be considered in specific cases where abnormal blood vessels are located away from the central macula and intravitreal therapy alone is insufficient.
What to Expect During Your AMD Care Journey
Managing AMD is a long-term commitment that requires consistent care and regular monitoring. Your care journey with Dr Bobby Cheng typically progresses through the following stages:
Comprehensive Assessment
Personalised Treatment Plan
If wet AMD is diagnosed: Treatment begins promptly with intravitreal injections to control abnormal blood vessel growth, reduce fluid leakage, and prevent further vision loss. Early intervention is critical in wet AMD, where progression can be rapid.
If dry AMD is diagnosed: Care focuses on slowing disease progression through lifestyle and dietary guidance, AREDS2 supplementation where clinically appropriate, and home monitoring strategies such as the Amsler grid to detect early changes between appointments.
Ongoing Monitoring and Follow Up
Frequently Asked Questions About AMD
There is currently no cure for age-related macular degeneration. However, modern treatments — particularly intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy for wet AMD — can effectively slow disease progression and help preserve existing vision, especially when the condition is detected and treated early.
AMD does not typically cause complete blindness. Most patients retain their peripheral vision, allowing them to navigate their environment independently. However, if left untreated — particularly in wet AMD — central vision can be severely and permanently affected, significantly impacting daily activities such as reading, driving, and recognising faces.
Injection frequency depends on the type and activity of the disease and how the individual eye responds to treatment. Most patients begin with a loading phase of monthly injections to establish disease control. Dr Bobby Cheng will then transition to a personalised treat-and-extend approach, gradually lengthening the intervals between injections as the condition stabilises — while maintaining close monitoring through regular OCT imaging.
AREDS2 nutritional supplements have been shown in clinical studies to reduce the risk of progression in patients with intermediate or advanced dry AMD. They are not a treatment for wet AMD and are not suitable for all patients. Dr Bobby Cheng will advise whether AREDS2 supplementation is appropriate based on your individual diagnosis and disease stage.