What is macular degeneration and how do dry and wet versions differ?
Macular degeneration sometimes called age related macular degeneration (ARMD or AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the world. AMD is caused by the breakdown of the macula which is the part of the retina responsible for your central or direct vision. AMD has two varieties, wet and dry. The wet form of macular degeneration leads to more serious vision loss. Wet macular degeneration is the result of abnormal blood vessel growth behind the retina that leak and kill the cells of the retina. Some drug and laser treatments has been developed that can slow the progression of the disease. It is not know what causes AMD although it appears with age, tends to run in families, and is more common in whites and females. You eye doctor will examine your field of vision to determine if you have early signs of the disease. Another method is to view an Amsler grid which is a grid of parallel lines. If the lines appear wavy then you should see you eye doctor to have your eyes checked for early sig
