Eye drops are not a standard treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but some eye drop medications are in development that may become viable options in the future.

AMD affects a person’s central vision and progresses over time. There is no cure, but in some cases, treatments can slow vision loss.

Read on to learn more about eye drops for macular degeneration, or AMD.

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Several eye drop medications are currently in development to treat AMD.

Peptide eye drops

A promising new treatment for dry AMD uses specific peptides to target toll-like receptors, which are part of the immune system.

A 2024 studyTrusted Source tested peptide-based eye drops in animals and laboratory samples and found they had a protective effect on the eyes, reducing degeneration. However, more research is necessary to determine if this approach will work in humans.

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) eye drops

One treatment option for wet AMD involves injections of anti-VEGF drugs directly into the eye. However, some researchers are trying to develop a less invasive way of delivering these drugs.

A 2017 study tested anti-VEGF eye drops in animals and cell cultures. The authors concluded that the eye drops could be just as effective as an injection, but studies in humans are necessary to establish their safety and effectiveness.

Atorvastatin

Another potential option is atorvastatin eye drops. According to 2020 research, these drops are currently in development. Atorvastatin is a common treatment for cardiovascular diseases and may also help manage AMD.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)

TKIs are a class of drugs that include sunitinib (Sutent), pazopanib (Votrient), and axitinib (Inlyta). Doctors usually use these drugs to treat certain cancers, but some researchers are investigating whether the medication in eye drop form may help with wet AMD.

A 2021 animal study tested this approach and compared it to aflibercept injections, a common wet AMD treatment. The researchers found both treatments had similar efficacy.

However, more research is necessary to determine this treatment’s effectiveness in humans.

Currently, no over-the-counter (OTC) drops can specifically treat AMD. No research has proven any OTC eye drops can help with the symptoms.

The appropriate treatment for AMD depends on the type of AMD a person has.

Dry AMD

According to the National Eye InstituteTrusted Source, most cases of AMD are dry AMD. This occurs when the layers of the macula become thinner. Over time, this causes a gradual decline in the macula’s function, causing macular degeneration to gradually worsen.

There is no treatment for dry AMD in its early or late stages. However, in the intermediate stage, people could take a special supplement known as AREDS 2 to stop the condition from progressing.

Wet AMD

Wet AMD occurs when new blood vessels develop behind the retina, known as choroidal neovascularization. These blood vessels are weak and cause damage to the macula.

When the wet form of the condition occurs, a person is often in the late stages of AMD. Individuals may originally have dry AMD, which progresses into wet AMD.

There are several treatment optionsTrusted Source available for the wet form of AMD. Some of these include:

  • Anti-VEGF drugs: These injections slow the progression of AMD and may also help improve vision. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), vision improves in one-third of individuals who receive these drugs.
  • Photodynamic therapy: This less common therapy involves using lasers, injections, and eye drops. A doctor injects a light-sensitive formula that makes its way to the new blood vessels near the macula. A person then receives an eye drop before the doctor shines a laser into their eye. This causes blood clots in the eye, sealing off the atypical blood vessels and helping prevent further vision loss.

Managing AMD often involves steps to adapt to changing vision levels and to prevent AMD from progressing wherever possible.

Tools that may help individuals make the most of their vision include:

  • vision aids, such as special glasses and screen readers
  • mobility aids, such as canes, to help people get around
  • vision rehabilitation, which helps individuals learn how to adapt to vision loss

Additionally, if a person only has dry AMD in one eye, they may be ableTrusted Source to take steps to prevent it from developing in the other eye, such as:

  • stopping smoking, if applicable
  • eating a nutritious diet
  • managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels
  • staying physically active

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting enough of certain vitamins and minerals can lower a person’s risk of late stage AMD by 25%Trusted Source. These nutrients include:

  • vitamin C, which is in bell peppers, citrus fruits, and berries
  • vitamin E, which is in nuts and seeds
  • beta carotene, which is in red and orange vegetables such as sweet potatoes and squash
  • copper, which is in nuts, seeds, potatoes, and shellfish
  • zinc, which is in shellfish, beef, pumpkin seeds, and many fortified cereals

For people with intermediate AMD, a doctor may recommend the AREDS 2 supplement, which contains most of these nutrients in one formula. Individuals can ask their doctor for advice on this.

While some prescription eye drops are in development for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), they are not currently a standard treatment for the condition. With more research and clinical trials, they may become available in the future.

No over-the-counter eye drops are proven to be effective for AMD, either. Currently, doctors cannot cure AMD, but a person can help manage it with medications and lifestyle changes.