What are dry and wet macular degeneration?
There are two important types of age-related macular degeneration: dry and wet. 1. The dry form, which is the most common, is characterized by gradual photoreceptor cell death in the macular area. Slow central vision loss spanning years or decades is the rule. 2. The wet form, which is less common, is characterized by bleeding or leaking of abnormal blood vessels under the macula, which can produce a rather sudden (days to weeks) severe drop in vision. The dry form can become wet at any time. Can macular degeneration be prevented? There are no therapies that can prevent macular degeneration at this time. However, several steps can likely reduce one’s risk. The first is to take good care of one’s general health, especially high blood pressure. Second, a diet rich in antioxidant vitamins (like green leafy vegetables and darkly colored fruit) may help. Finally, limiting the amount of UV light that enters your eye may reduce your risk. 100% UV blocking sunglasses and a hat with a visor are
About 85 – 90% of ARMD cases are the dry, or atrophic, form, in which yellowish spots of fatty deposits called drusen appear on the macula. The rest of ARMD cases are the wet form, so called because of leakage into the retina from newly forming blood vessels in the choroid, a part of the eye behind the retina. Normally, blood vessels in the choroid bring nutrients to, and carry waste products away from, the retina. Sometimes the fine blood vessels in the choroid underlying the macula begin to proliferate, a process called choroidal neovascularization, or CNV. The cause is unknown. When those blood vessels proliferate, they leak, and cells in the macula are damaged and killed. The principal symptom of macular degeneration is reduction or loss of central vision, with retention of peripheral vision.
• Wet Macular DegenerationAn FDA-approved therapy for patients with wet AMD. Learn more. www.Lucentis.com • Wet macular degenerationFFB is the driving force behind the research to save and restore sight. www.FightBlindness.org • Wet Macular DegenerationWet Macular Degeneration. Eye Symptoms & Treatments. Macular.HealthProfessor.com • Dr. Ron GallemoreRenowned Retina Specialist Retina Macula Institute www.retinamaculainstitute.com • Macular DegenerationAn online information resource on Macular Degeneration. www.Lighthouse.org • Stop Macular DegenerationRegain Lost Vision with Dr. Todd’s Proven no-Surgery or Drugs Approach www.BetterVision.com • Dry Macular DegenerationFind Out What Macular Degeneration Is Here. Degeneration.GreatWellBeing.com • Macular DegenerationMacular Degeneration Facts You Need Johns Hopkins Guide – Yours Free www.JohnsHopkinsHealthAlerts.
