Have you noticed changes in your central vision? It might seem blurry, dim, or distorted. These can be signs of macular degeneration, a common eye condition. This condition presents in two main types: wet and dry. Knowing the differences helps protect your vision and guides treatment choices.

What Is Macular Degeneration?

The macula is a small part of the retina at the back of your eye. It helps you see fine colors and details. When the macula is damaged, central vision becomes blurry or warped. This can make reading, driving, and recognizing faces difficult.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes vision loss in older adults. It usually develops slowly and affects millions worldwide. Both wet and dry AMD cause vision problems but in different ways.

What Is Dry Macular Degeneration?

Dry AMD is the most common type. It results from light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly breaking down. Drusen, which is basically small yellow deposits, build up under the retina. Symptoms include blurry vision, trouble seeing in dim light, and faded colors. Straight lines may look wavy or bent. Dry AMD worsens slowly, often over many years.

Currently, dry AMD has no cure. However, certain vitamins and lifestyle changes may slow its progress. Regular eye exams help track changes and guide care.

What Is Wet Macular Degeneration?

Wet AMD is less common but more serious. Abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina causes this condition. These vessels leak fluid or blood, damaging the macula quickly. Symptoms often appear suddenly. You may see dark spots or shadows in your central vision. Straight lines can look bent or distorted. Vision loss happens rapidly, sometimes within weeks.

Wet AMD needs prompt treatment. Options include injections and laser therapy to stop leaking vessels. Early care can save the patient’s vision.

Key Differences Between Wet and Dry AMD

Understanding these differences helps you recognize symptoms and seek care early. Here’s what sets them apart:

• Cause of Damage

Dry AMD causes slow loss of light-sensitive cells and drusen buildup. Vision fades gradually over time.

Wet AMD damages the retina through leaking and abnormal blood vessels. This causes quick and severe vision loss.

• Progression Speed

Dry AMD develops slowly, sometimes over years. Vision loss is mild at first and worsens gradually.

Wet AMD progresses fast. Vision can change drastically in weeks or days.

• Symptoms

Dry AMD symptoms include blurry vision, dull colors, and difficulty reading small print.

Wet AMD symptoms are more intense, with dark spots and sharply distorted vision.

• Eyes Affected

Dry AMD often affects both eyes, but unevenly. It starts in one eye and moves to the other.

Wet AMD usually begins in one eye but may affect both later. Vision loss is often worse in the first eye.

• Treatment Options

Dry AMD has no cure but may improve with vitamins and healthy habits.

Wet AMD requires medical treatments like injections and laser therapy to slow damage.

• Risk of Progression

Dry AMD can turn into wet AMD, causing sudden worsening.

Wet AMD causes most cases of severe vision loss among AMD patients.

Who Is at Risk?

The older you get, the more at risk you are. People over 60 have the highest risk. Family history, smoking, and poor diet increase the chances. High blood pressure and obesity also raise risks.

Protecting your eyes with healthy habits is important. Regular eye exams help spot problems early.

For more on wet and dry macular degeneration, visit Clarity Eye Care at our McKinney, Texas, office. Call (972) 954-9595 to book an appointment today.