Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) significantly impacts vision. Understanding the differences between dry AMD and wet AMD is vital for early detection and care.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central part of the retina known as the macula, which is essential for clear, detailed vision. This page explains the differences between the dry and wet forms of AMD, helping you understand how they affect your vision. Knowing these differences is important because it can guide you in spotting changes early and seeking advice from our eye doctors when necessary.
AMD is a condition that gradually affects the macula, the area of your retina responsible for sharp central vision, color discrimination, and contrast sensitivity. The retina, a light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye, transforms light into signals that travel to the brain. When AMD affects this sensitive area, everyday tasks such as reading, recognizing faces, or seeing fine details can become challenging.
There are two primary types of AMD: dry and wet. Both forms can lead to vision loss but through different underlying mechanisms. Understanding these mechanisms can help you recognize the signs and symptoms early and make informed decisions about your eye care.
Dry AMD, sometimes called atrophic or nonexudative AMD, is the more common and usually slower-progressing form of the disease. It occurs when waste products, like drusen, accumulate beneath the macula and interfere with nutrient absorption. Over time, as these deposits increase in size and number, the cells of the retina – particularly the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors – begin to deteriorate.
This gradual cell loss in dry AMD means that most people experience a slow decrease in central vision, often without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. In the later stages, referred to as geographic atrophy, visible patches of missing retina appear. Although vision loss is gradual with dry AMD, it can progress to a point where everyday activities become difficult, making regular eye examinations all the more important.
Dry AMD generally progresses through three stages:
While there is currently no treatment to reverse dry AMD, lifestyle modifications and nutritional support play a key role in managing the condition. Studies have shown that a combination of vitamins and minerals, for example, those found in AREDS2 supplements, may help slow down the progression by reducing the risk of converting to the wet form.
Contact our office today to schedule an eye exam and ensure your vision is in the best hands!
Wet AMD, also known as neovascular or exudative AMD, is a more aggressive form of the disease. It develops when abnormal blood vessels begin to grow under the retina – a process called choroidal neovascularization (CNV). These fragile and leaky vessels can release fluid and blood beneath the macula, leading to rapid and severe vision loss.
Unlike dry AMD, where vision loss occurs gradually, the changes in wet AMD tend to be sudden. This sudden onset of blurred or distorted vision can be alarming, and the damage to the central vision may become permanent if the condition is not treated quickly. It is estimated that a significant number of patients diagnosed with AMD each year experience this aggressive form, which makes timely detection and treatment critical.
Wet AMD rapidly disrupts the integrity of the macula. The leaky, abnormal blood vessels not only damage the retinal cells but also cause scarring, which can lead to severe loss of central vision. Here’s what can happen with wet AMD:
Because wet AMD presents more urgently, early diagnosis followed by timely intervention is essential. Our eye doctors can initiate treatments that help stop the progression and sometimes improve the current state of vision.
While both forms of AMD impact the macula and reduce central vision, the primary differences lie in how quickly they progress and the underlying biological changes involved. Here’s an overview of these differences:
Understanding these differences is crucial because it informs the urgency and approach for each condition. If you are diagnosed with dry AMD, it’s important to monitor your vision consistently. Should you notice any sudden changes suggestive of the wet form, contacting our eye doctors immediately can make a significant difference in outcomes.
Contact our office today to schedule an eye exam and ensure your vision is in the best hands!
Learn the key differences between dry AMD and wet AMD to protect your vision. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
