Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) occurs when your macula, the focal point of the retina, begins to deteriorate as you age. Since the macula plays a critical role in providing your central vision, you may have trouble seeing things directly in front of you when you have this condition. In today’s post, your expert optometrist discusses the two types of AMD:
Dry AMD
Approximately 90% of all AMD cases are classified as dry. This form of AMD involves progressive thinning of your macular layers, including the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors. As these layers atrophy, drusen—cellular waste products—begins to form in your retina. This appears as tiny, yellow freckles in your eyes.
Your trusted optometrist explains that dry AMD is also referred to as non-neovascular or non-exudative AMD because there are no blood vessel leaks involved at this stage. Symptoms may include color vision changes as the condition progresses. Your macula and retina may also gradually stop functioning correctly, resulting in central vision changes.
Wet AMD
While less common, wet AMD is recognized as a more serious and advanced form of this condition. It occurs when the choroid layer, the structure that provides blood supply to your retina, becomes damaged. Wet AMD results in reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery to your eyes.
As a compensatory mechanism, new blood vessels grow to increase blood flow in your eyes. These blood vessels are fragile and break easily, however, causing blood and fluids to leak into your macula. This results in swelling, also known as macular edema. If left uncontrolled, objects within your visual field may appear blurry, wavy, or distorted.
AMD often begins as an asymptomatic eye condition, but left untreated it can lead to total and permanent blindness. This is why we recommend visiting your reliable optometrist on a regular basis. We will perform comprehensive eye exams to help in the prompt detection of AMD and any other underlying conditions.
To learn more about the differences between dry and wet AMD, call us at (425) 771-8472 for Alderwood Optical and (425) 485-0430 for Canyon Park Vision Clinic. We serve Bothell, Lynnwood, and Shoreline, WA.