Thedry form of the diseaseis the most common.
While its progression cannot be halted, it is the slower-progressing form of the condition.
Thewet formcan quickly diminish sight.
Dejan Marjanovic / Getty Images
The dry form usually hasno symptoms initially.
You may also notice that straight lines begin to look wavy.
Deposits of fat and protein known asdrusenelevate the retina a bit, causing the distortion.
By the late stage of dry AMD, the light-sensitive cells of the retina may begin to deteriorate.
In the wet form, abnormal blood vessels form in the eye.
The wet form can cause a rapid decline in vision that can even come on within one day.
Fortunately, if promptly noticed, it is possible to stop blood vessels from leaking and help preserve sight.
But it may be possible for you topreventthe condition in the first place.
Medication injections for wet AMD can help keep some symptoms in check.
Anti-VEGF medication can be injected into the affected eye periodically.
This can keep abnormal leaky new blood vessels from forming.
Damage to vision may occur when fluid from such vessels leaks onto the retinal tissue.
Preventing these leaks can help prevent vision deterioration and make this a chronic, manageable condition.
Around 11.6% of wet AMD cases may go into long-term remission with the aid of anti-VEGF medication.
Anti-VEGF medications include the following:
It’s also possible to use photodynamic therapy to help seal leaky vessels.
With this, a light-sensitive agent is injected into your bloodstream, usually via an injection in the arm.
Laser photocoagulation, in which a laser directly seals off leaky vessels, may also be tried.
This can be used in some cases depending on where the leaky vessels are located.
This test involves a sheet resembling a piece of graph paper with a dot in the center.
This can enable you to seek treatment and preserve your vision promptly.
you could locate low-vision support groups in your area through theE.A.R.S.
for EYES Program directory.
If you have wet macular degeneration, powerful medication and other treatments can help keep it in check.
National Eye Institute.Age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Bright Focus Foundation.Symptoms of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Bright Focus Foundation.Symptoms of wet age-related macular degeneration.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Learn about age-related macular degeneration.
National Eye Institute.AREDS 2 supplements for age-related macular degeneration.
NYU Langone Health.Lifestyle changes for macular degeneration.
Bright Focus Foundation.Macular degeneration resources for patients and caregivers.
