Macular degeneration is a medical condition that affects the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed central vision. There are two main forms of age-related macular degeneration, dry and wet. While they share a name and affect the same part of the eye, their causes and progression differ. Understanding these differences is a good first step in managing your eye health.
Dry Macular Degeneration
Many people with AMD have the dry form of the disease. This condition occurs when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down. A typical sign of dry AMD is the presence of yellow deposits called drusen under the retina.
Your eye doctor may spot these during a routine dilated eye exam. As the macular cells deteriorate, your central vision may gradually become blurry or distorted. You might notice that straight lines appear wavy or that you need more light for reading and other close-up tasks.
Dry AMD usually progresses slowly over several years. Vision loss from this form is often gradual. The condition is categorized into early, intermediate, and late stages, and its progression varies from person to person.
Wet Macular Degeneration
Wet macular degeneration is generally more serious. This form develops when abnormal blood vessels grow underneath the macula. These new vessels are fragile and may leak blood and fluid, which damages the macula and leads to rapid vision loss. The progression from dry to wet AMD can occur rapidly.
Symptoms of wet AMD may be more sudden and noticeable than those of the dry form. You might experience a sudden dark spot or blind spot in your central vision. The visual distortions, like seeing straight lines as wavy, may also be more pronounced. Because wet AMD may cause swift damage to your central vision, early detection is very helpful.
Severe Cases
Both forms of this condition may lead to significant vision loss if they advance to a late stage. Late-stage dry AMD involves the gradual loss of retinal cells, creating blind spots in the center of your vision. This process happens over time. Wet AMD is classified as a late-stage form of the condition. The leakage from abnormal blood vessels may cause scarring of the macula, resulting in permanent loss of central vision.
Prompt Treatment Required
Receiving a diagnosis for either type of macular degeneration means you need to work with your eye doctor to manage the condition. For dry AMD, management often focuses on monitoring and nutritional support. Specific vitamin and mineral supplements are sometimes recommended to help slow the progression from the intermediate to the late stage.
For wet AMD, treatments are available that target the abnormal blood vessels. These treatments, often administered as injections into the eye, may help stop leakage and preserve existing vision. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the condition and adjust the treatment plan as needed. The goal of treatment for both types is to slow the disease’s progression and maintain your quality of life.
Schedule Macular Degeneration Today
Regular eye examinations are the best way to detect macular degeneration in its early stages. If you are experiencing changes in your central vision or have risk factors for AMD, such as age or family history, a comprehensive eye exam provides clarity. Contact a specialist today to schedule your appointment.
