There are two types of eye disease called age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Dry AMD is the most common, and wet AMD is rarer. They differ in severity and symptoms. Find out what the differences are between these two types of AMD.
What is age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease, especially in people over 50. It causes damage to the macula resulting in vision loss.
The macula is the central part of the retina located at the back of the eye. It is thinner and smaller than the retina. But despite its very small size, it is responsible for detailed central vision. Thanks to the macula, you can distinguish small details and colours.
The symptoms of AMD in people with the disease vary. In some cases, vision loss occurs slowly, while the disease progresses rapidly in others. It can cause vision loss in one or both eyes.
Age-related macular degeneration is a chronic disease caused by the macula's aging. There are two types of AMD: dry and wet.
The two types of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Dry macular degeneration
Dry AMD occurs when the layer of cells under the retina begins to age and thin. This is also known as atrophic AMD and is the most common type. It affects about 90% of people with AMD.
The symptoms of dry macular degeneration
Symptoms can appear very gradually, and they can differ between each person:
- Need more light to read or write
- The appearance of white or black spots in the center of the vision
- The impression that straight lines are curved
- Decreased central visual acuity
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Difficulty seeing well while driving
If your vision seems to have deteriorated recently, we advise you to make an appointment for an eye exam as soon as possible. Our optometrists will thoroughly test to find the best solutions for your eyes.
In some cases, dry AMD turns into wet macular degeneration.
Wet macular degeneration
Wet AMD is the most serious form of macular health since the damage can be irreversible. It occurs when new, abnormal blood vessels develop under the macula and retina. This phenomenon is called angiogenesis.
These new blood vessels are fragile. They break easily, allowing fluid and blood to leak into the retinal tissue. This explains why wet AMD, also called neovascular AMD, can lead to rapid vision loss.
The symptoms of wet macular degeneration
The symptoms may be identical to dry AMD. Others may also appear:
- Visual distortion with objects appearing to have a different shape in each eye
- Difficulty recognizing faces
- A loss of being able to discern the brightness of colours
There are currently treatments available for macular degeneration. The two main ones are photodynamic therapy and anti-VEGF drugs. But before immediately resorting to these treatments, you can help prevent AMD symptoms by scheduling an eye exam every year.
Whatever the stage of your vision, our optometrists will offer the best healthcare for your eyes.
