What is WET AMD?
A small oval spot on the retina (tissue on the back of the eye) called the macula is responsible for sharp, central vision. The macula can be damaged by a condition called age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), which is one of the leading causes of vision loss in people over the age of 50. Wet age-related macular degeneration is a less common, but more severe form of age-related macular degeneration. Wet AMD is caused by neovascularization (development of abnormal blood vessels) beneath the retina. These vessels are usually fragile and leak fluid and blood, leading to the swelling and damage of the macula. The damage is often rapid and may cause severe vision loss in a short time.
Symptoms of WET AMD
WET AMD affects the center of your vision field. Symptoms may include:
- Distorted vision
- A decrease in central vision
- A blind spot in the visual field.
Symptoms are usually abrupt in onset and progress rapidly. Smokers, Caucasians, and people with a family history of ARMD are at a greater risk of wet AMD.
Depending on your presentation, your doctor may recommend certain tests to diagnose wet AMD. Early detection may help reduce your vision problems and improve your vision.
Related Topics
- Retinal Detachment
- Retinal Tear
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- Retinal Vascular Diseases
- Retinal Artery Occlusion
- Retinal Vein Occlusion
- Retinal Hemorrhage
- Vitreous Hemorrhage of any Etiology
- Central Serous Retinopathy
- Posterior Vitreous Detachment
- Vitreomacular Traction Syndrome
- Epiretinal Membrane
- Macular Edema
- Macular Hole
- Retinoschisis
- Ocular Ischemic Syndrome
- Cystoid Macular edema
- Color Blindness
- Nyctalopia/Night Blindness
- Cone Dystrophy
- Choroideremia
- Retinopathy of Prematurity
- Uveitis & Ocular Inflammation
- Retinoblastoma