Wet Macular Degeneration
What is Wet Macular Degeneration ?
Wet macular degeneration is an eye condition that causes blurred vision or reduced central vision. It is a type of age-related macular degeneration where blood vessels leak fluid or blood into part of the retina known as the macula (MAK-u-luh). The macula is responsible for central vision.
Wet macular degeneration is one of two types of age-related macular degeneration. The other type, dry macular degeneration, is more common and less severe. The wet type always begins as the dry type. Early detection and treatment of wet macular degeneration may help reduce vision loss. In some instances, early treatment may restore vision.
Symptoms
- Visual distortions
- Reduced central vision in one or both eyes
- The need for brighter light when reading or doing work
- Difficulty adjusting to low light levels
- Increased blurriness of printed words
- Difficulty recognizing faces
- A blurry spot or blind spot in the field of vision
- Dark spots
- Fading or decreased color vision
- Objects appearing smaller than they really are
Cause
No one knows the exact cause of wet macular degeneration, but it develops in people who have dry macular degeneration. Of all people with age-related macular degeneration, about 20% have the wet form. Wet macular degeneration can develop in different ways, causing vision loss due to irregular blood vessel growth. Sometimes new blood vessels grow from the choroid under and into the macula. This growth isn’t typical, and when it happens, it’s known as choroidal neovascularization. The choroid is the layer of blood vessels between the retina and the outer, firm coat of the eye, called the sclera. These blood vessels may leak fluid or blood, affecting the retina’s function and leading to vision loss. Vision loss is caused by fluid buildup in the back of the eye. When fluid leaks from the choroid, it can collect between the thin cell layer called the retinal pigment epithelium and the retina or within the layers of the retina. This may cause irregularities in the macula layers, resulting in vision loss or distortion.
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase the risk of macular degeneration include Age. This disease is most common in people over 50. Family history and genetics. This disease has a hereditary component, meaning it can run in families. Researchers have identified several genes linked to the condition. Race. Macular degeneration is more common in white people. Smoking. Smoking cigarettes or being exposed to tobacco smoke regularly greatly increases the risk of macular degeneration. Obesity. Research suggests that obesity may increase the chance that early or intermediate macular degeneration will progress to a more severe form of the disease. Cardiovascular disease. If you have diseases that affect your heart and blood vessels, you may be at higher risk of macular degeneration.
When to see a Doctor
See your eye doctor if you notice changes in your central vision, your ability to see colors and fine detail becomes impaired. These changes may be the first indication of macular degeneration, particularly if you’re older than age 60.