Wet AMD is often seen as aprogression from dry AMD.
These include the following.
Progression to Wet AMD
There are two forms of AMD: the dry and the wet form.
BSIP/Getty Images
Dry AMD causes thinning of the macula and results in symptoms of blurred vision and reduced central vision.
The wet form is a result of abnormal growth of blood vessels.
These abnormal blood vessels, which form under the macula, can leak fluid and blood into the eye.
In approximately 10% to 15% of those with AMD, the condition will progress to wet AMD.
In wet AMD, new blood vessels grow abnormally in the vascular, choroid layer of the eye.
This is referred to as choroidal neovascularization.
These new, abnormal vessels are naturally weak and fragile, and therefore leak fluid and blood.
The retinal cells then stop functioning normally, and vision is reduced.
Frequent Symptoms
When wet AMD first begins, there may not be any symptoms at all.
In fact, the condition may not be detected until it worsens, or when it impacts both eyes.
This is because, early on, the unaffected eye can compensate for the affected eye.
As the condition progresses, the area of blurriness becomes larger.
Next, blind spots may develop, and you may have trouble seeing fine details clearly.
Wet AMD does not generally cause visual loss in the peripheral (side) vision.
Therefore, it doesnt commonly cause total blindness.
Rare Symptoms
There are several symptoms of wet AMD that are considered rare or uncommon.
These include the following.
Complications
Several potential complications can occur as a result of wet AMD.
Charles Bonnet syndrome is more likely to occur during the advanced stages of AMD/retinal disease.
Retinal detachment can cause vision loss.
If you have any symptoms of retinal detachment, you should see your healthcare provider right away.
People with AMD should be particularly cautious of falling in an environment with low light.
The changes may include blurriness or wavy or missing lines or letters.
The grid should be viewed with reading glasses on.
You candownload and print a copy of the Amsler gridfrom the American Macular Degeneration Foundation.
Early diagnosis and intervention are vital to being able to slow down the progression of the disease.
Thats the reason daily self-checks and regular eye doctor appointments are so important.
American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF).Dry vs wet age-related macular degeneration.
BrightFocus Foundation.Less common symptoms of age-related macular degeneration.
MacularDegeneration.net.Symptoms and complications of macular degeneration.
BrightFocus Foundation.A close relative has age-related macular degeneration: How can I decrease my risk?
