Forms of AMD
There are two forms of AMD or age-related macular degeneration:
Dry age-related macular degeneration
Dry macular degeneration is the most common form of AMD, representing approximately 90% of all macular degeneration cases. However, dry AMD accounts for only 10% of the severe vision loss associated with macular degeneration. Dry AMD is characterized by development of yellow-white deposits underneath your retina, known as drusen, and can also be determined by deterioration of your retina. There is no generally accepted treatment for dry macular degeneration, although vitamins, antioxidants and zinc supplements may slow its progression. Over time, dry AMD cases often develop into wet macular degeneration.
As dry macular degeneration worsens, you may see a blurred spot in the center of your vision. The most common symptom of dry AMD is slightly blurred vision, and you may have difficulty recognizing faces. You may need more light for reading and performing other tasks. Dry macular degeneration often affects both eyes, but vision can be lost in one eye while the other eye seems unaffected. Over time, as less of the macula functions, central vision in the affected eye is gradually lost.
Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Wet macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels start to grow under the center of your retina. These new blood vessels may be very fragile and often leak blood and fluid. The blood and fluid can damage your macula or create a scar on your retina, causing vision problems. Damage to the macula can occur rapidly, causing a noticeable loss of central vision. The vision loss may be permanent, because abnormal blood vessels and scar tissue are actually destroying normal retina tissue. Once lost, these light-sensitive cells in your retina cannot be replaced.
An early symptom of wet macular degeneration is vision change, when straight lines appear wavy. For example, you may notice that your door frames appear wavy instead of straight. If you notice this condition or other changes in your vision, contact your eye care professional immediately for a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Treatments are available that may slow and reduce vision loss associated with wet macular degeneration. You should report any changes in vision to an eye care professional as soon as you notice them.
It is estimated that about 1.6 million people in the United States currently have wet macular degeneration, with 200,000 new cases per year. Physicians classify wet AMD into different types: predominantly classic, minimally classic, and occult.
Regardless of which type of macular degeneration you have, only your eye doctor can determine what treatment may be right for you.
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