 |
 |
Types of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
|
|
|
The two distinct types of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are known as the dry and wet forms. Most cases of the disease start with the dry form, which may or may not develop into the wet form.
Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Dry age-related macular degeneration, which is also known as atrophic or non-neovascular macular degeneration, is the milder form of the disease, accounting for up to 90% of all cases. The key clinical sign is development of drusen, small, round, white-yellow lesions in the macula. The connection between drusen and vision loss is unclear. In its early stages, dry age-related macular degeneration is characterized by several small or a few medium-sized drusen. The size or number of drusen increase in the intermediate stage. With advanced disease, a breakdown of photoreceptor cells and the supporting tissue accompanies an increased number of drusen. There is no treatment currently available for dry age-related macular degeneration.
Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Wet age-related macular degeneration accounts for only 10% of cases, but it is responsible for 90% of the severe vision loss associated with AMD. The term wet refers to choroidal neovascularization across the macula. These abnormal vessels leak fluid and blood into the tissue at the back of the eye, causing damage to the retina. This in turn leads to scar tissue and a large blind spot, which impairs central vision. Worldwide, approximately 500,000 new cases of wet age-related macular degeneration occur each year.
Wet age-related macular degeneration tends to develop in one eye at a time. Approximately half of patients who have one affected eye will be diagnosed with the condition in their second eye within 5 years. Rapidity of disease progression varies among individuals, from a few months to 3 years. Untreated, the majority of eyes affected with wet age-related macular degeneration will become functionally blind within approximately 2 years.
Because treatments that slow progression of wet age-related macular degeneration are available, persons over age 60 should receive yearly ophthalmologic examinations with dilated pupils to ensure that the disease is diagnosed at its earliest stage.
Back to Top |
|
|
| |
 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| PRODUCTS | | | Find information on a specific eye care product | | | Read More > | |
|
|
|
