Wet macular degeneration is an eye disease that can cause blurred vision or even blind spots in a person’s visual field. While it is not as common as dry macular degeneration, it does account for 90 percent of all cases of severe vision loss resulting from the disease.
Macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 60. It happens when a small portion of the retina, referred to as the macula, deteriorates. Wet macular degeneration takes place when abnormal blood vessels leak fluid or blood into the macula. As a result, patients may see spots in the center of their field of vision or they may notice that straight lines appear wavy since the macula isn’t smooth anymore.
While some people with wet macular degeneration don’t notice any issues with their sight, abnormal blood vessels can grow under the retina (this process is called choroidal neovascularization or CNV), so getting eye exams on a regular basis is important. It is also worth noting that those who have dry macular degeneration can progress to having wet macular degeneration. The dry form of the disease involves the presence of yellow deposits, known as drusen, in the macula.
Causes and risks of wet macular degeneration
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Approximately 10 percent of those with macular degeneration have the wet form. Wet macular degeneration can develop in different ways. Vision loss can occur when abnormal new blood vessels grow from the choroid under and into the macula. These abnormal vessels can leak fluid or blood, disturbing the functioning of the retina.
Wet macular degeneration can also be the result of fluid buildup in the back of the eye. When fluid leaks from the choroid, it can gather between the choroid and a…