Are There Different Types of Macular Degeneration?
There are many types of macular degeneration and many causes. The fastest growing form is AMD or Age-Related Macular Degeneration and accounts for 90% of new cases of legal blindness in the US. In this category, there are basically 2 types: dry and wet macular degeneration. The “dry” form is usually a slow form of macular deterioration which may take years before loss of central vision occurs. Nine out of 10 people with AMD will have the dry form. Also, many times, visual loss will “plateau” with long periods of visual stability occurring. Visual loss can range from mild to severe. The “wet” form accounts for approximately 10% of cases of AMD and is much more severe. It is called “wet” because abnormal blood vessels invade the macular area causing leakage of fluid and blood, which can then accumulate under the macular area and cause damage to cellular elements. The damage is permenant and cannot be repaired. Sometimes, laser treatment can be helpful in limiting the amount of damage to
