Wet macular degeneration affects millions of people worldwide. Learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment options to combat this eye disease.

Wet macular degeneration (wet AMD) is a progressive eye disease that primarily affects older adults and can lead to severe vision loss. The condition occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood, which can cause severe damage to the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. Wet AMD is a form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that is characterized by rapid progression compared to dry macular degeneration. Understanding the onset and progression of wet macular degeneration is crucial as it can help identify risk factors and treatment options. It is estimated that more than 10 million people worldwide have some form of AMD, with wet AMD accounting for approximately 10-15% of these cases, but most cases result in severe visual impairment.

What is wet macular degeneration?

Wet AMD is a type of age-related macular degeneration characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the choroid (the layer behind the retina). These blood vessels leak fluid and blood into the macula, causing rapid loss of central vision. Unlike dry AMD, where the macula gradually thins, wet AMD can progress significantly over a short period of time. The condition may initially be asymptomatic, meaning those affected may not notice any changes in vision until damage is severe. As the disease progresses, symptoms such as blurry or distorted straight lines, dark spots in central vision, and difficulty seeing in low light can occur. In particular, vision loss associated with wet AMD can occur quickly, sometimes within a matter of weeks or months.

Symptoms of Wet AMD

One of the challenges with wet AMD is that the early signs can be subtle and easy to miss. Many patients may not notice any changes in their vision until the disease has progressed significantly.

The most common symptoms include blurry central vision, which can make it difficult to read or recognize faces, and the appearance of black spots or shadows in the field of vision. Additionally, objects may become distorted, making straight lines appear wavy or curved. In some cases, vision can change rapidly and vision may suddenly decrease. Central vision loss is often more noticeable than peripheral vision loss, which means that even when damage is severe, people still have some awareness of their surroundings. Regular eye exams are essential for early detection and intervention, as prompt treatment can prevent further vision loss.

Diagnosis and Screening

Diagnosing wet macular degeneration usually requires a comprehensive eye exam by an ophthalmologist. The exam typically includes a visual acuity test (which measures a person's vision at different distances) and a dilated pupil exam (which allows the doctor to closely examine the retina for signs of fluid, bleeding, or abnormal blood vessels). A common diagnostic tool is optical coherence tomography (OCT), which provides high-resolution images of the retina and can detect fluid accumulation associated with wet AMD. Additionally, fluorescein angiography may be performed, where a special dye is injected into the bloodstream to visualize blood vessels in the retina and identify leaks or abnormal growths.

Treatment Options for Wet Macular Degeneration

Although there is currently no cure for wet macular degeneration, treatments are available to slow the progression of the disease and preserve any remaining vision. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections are one of the most common treatments. These injections target the abnormal blood vessels that are causing the fluid to leak and help reduce their growth, improving vision or stability in many patients. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is another treatment option, in which a light-sensitive drug is administered, followed by exposure to light using a specific wavelength to treat and close the leaking blood vessels. In some cases, laser treatment may be considered to destroy the abnormal blood vessels; however, this may result in some peripheral vision loss. Ongoing research into new treatments, including gene therapy and stem cell therapy, offers hope for future interventions.

Regular eye exams are essential, especially for those over 50 or with other risk factors. Continued research into treatment options is encouraging and offers hope for better treatments for this disease and potentially improved quality of life for those with wet macular degeneration.