Eye Injections for Macular Degeneration: Do They Really Help and What to Expect in 2025

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, anti-VEGF eye injections have significantly improved outcomes for patients with wet AMD. While not a cure, these treatments help slow progression and preserve vision.

What Are Eye Injections for Macular Degeneration?

Eye injections, also called intravitreal injections, deliver medication directly into the eye to slow abnormal blood vessel growth and reduce leakage. They are most commonly used for wet macular degeneration, which can cause rapid vision loss if left untreated.

Eye Injections for Wet and Dry Macular Degeneration

For wet AMD, FDA-approved drugs such as Lucentis, Eylea, Avastin (off-label), and Vabysmo work by blocking VEGF, reducing abnormal blood vessel growth. These injections have become the standard of care and are highly effective at slowing vision loss.

For dry AMD, treatments have historically been limited to lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements. However, newer injections like pegcetacoplan (for geographic atrophy) are showing promise, offering the first medical option to slow progression in advanced dry AMD.

New Eye Injections in 2025

Longer-lasting drugs, including Eylea HD and Vabysmo, are designed to reduce the need for monthly treatments, with some patients only requiring injections every 8 to 12 weeks. Clinical trials continue to focus on expanding treatment options for dry AMD.

Pros and Cons of AMD Eye Injections

Pros:

Proven to slow or stabilize vision loss in wet AMD.
Newer drugs may reduce frequency of injections.
Expanding options for dry AMD provide more hope for patients.

Cons:

Injections are ongoing, often required for life.
Costs can be high without insurance.
Side effects include redness, discomfort, or floaters.
Rare but serious risks include infection or retinal detachment.

How Much Do Eye Injections Cost?

Costs vary depending on the drug and insurance coverage:

Avastin: Around $50 per dose (off-label but commonly used).
Lucentis, Eylea, Vabysmo: $1,800–$2,500 per injection without insurance.
Medicare and many private insurance plans typically cover FDA-approved AMD injections, though patients may still face co-pays or deductibles.

Conclusion

In 2025, eye injections remain the gold standard for treating wet AMD and are emerging as a promising option for advanced dry AMD. While they require ongoing treatment, injections significantly slow progression and preserve vision for many patients. Discussing risks, benefits, and costs with an ophthalmologist can help determine the best approach.