What is the standard treatment for neovascular AMD?

• A. Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections
• B. Laser photocoagulation
• C. Systemic steroids
• D. Observation

Answer: (B)

Neovascular AMD is driven by VEGF, which promotes abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage under the retina. The standard treatment targets that VEGF activity directly. Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections deliver VEGF-blocking drugs straight into the eye, reducing or reversing fluid leakage, shrinking the abnormal vessels, and often improving or stabilizing vision. These injections are given on a regular schedule—typically starting with monthly doses and then adjusting based on how the eye responds.

Laser photocoagulation can seal off some CNV lesions, but it often damages the surrounding retina, especially when the CNV is under the fovea, leading to central vision loss and less durable benefits. Because of these risks and the superior visual outcomes with anti-VEGF therapy, laser treatment is not the standard approach for most cases of neovascular AMD.

Systemic steroids do not address the retinal pathology effectively in AMD, and observation alone does not control the disease, so they are not standard treatments.