Which Type of Macular Degeneration Is Worse?

You may have heard the term AMD or the phrase macular degeneration. You likely know it’s an eye disease. 

You may not realize that more than 1 in 10 Americans over age 40 are living with AMD. Our board-certified ophthalmologists with Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, treat age-related macular degeneration and other eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness. 

It’s important to have regular eye exams because the most common form of AMD shows no signs or symptoms in the early stages. Your Wolchok physician can detect it early and start effective treatment to limit its progression. 

What is macular degeneration? 

Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is an eye disease characterized by the loss of central vision, or what you see when you look straight ahead. It’s the number one reason for loss of vision in senior adults. 

Your eye is an amazing mechanism with parts that must interact for you to see clearly. The macula is a central part of your retina that allows clear sight of objects before you.

Aging and your genetic makeup are major risk factors for AMD. Also, smoking and high blood pressure increase your risk.

Wet and dry are the two forms of AMD. 

Wet AMD 

All wet AMD starts as dry AMD. Dry AMD can turn into wet AMD if it’s untreated. The wet form of AMD progresses in about 10-15% of cases.  

Wet AMD might be the more adverse form of the disease because its onset is usually rapid, and it can often lead to more severe vision loss than dry AMD. 

Wet AMD damages your macula when a key protein that stimulates blood vessel growth encourages their growth under your retina — a place they shouldn’t be. The abnormal blood vessels begin to secrete leaky fluid and blood. You no longer have clear vision in the center of your eye. 

Dry AMD 

Dry AMD happens slowly. Light-sensitive cells in your macula begin to break down; the membrane supporting the retina ages as other parts of your body age. You can’t see the changes happening inside your eye like you can see new wrinkles on your skin or age spots on your hands. Aging and genetic factors contribute to the development of dry AMD. 

Effects of AMD on vision 

As noted, AMD affects your central vision. Reading and driving become more difficult because you’re missing sharp vision when you look straight ahead. Your peripheral vision, or side vision, is unaffected. 

You may find it hard to engage in any close-up activity involving your sight. Instead of reading, you may start listening to audiobooks. You may not be able to pass a driving test. It’s hard to see a loved one’s face. You’re more prone to accidents when you don’t have clear vision. 

Without treatment, AMD can lead to such severe vision loss that it results in legal blindness. 

To ensure your eye health, schedule eye exams when your Wolchok ophthalmologist tells you to do so. Call Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, or book an appointment online to maintain your ability to see clearly.