Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Wet AMD is the more advanced form of Age-related Macular Degeneration. If not treated in time it causes a rapid decline in vision.

This kind of macular degeneration is generally caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina and macula. 

What happens to the retina in Wet AMD?

The retina’s function is to transfer light signals from the eye to the brain. Cells in the retina help us ‘see’ light and also colour. The macula of the eye is the central part of the retina, responsible for your sharp vision.  

The growth of abnormal new blood vessels from the choroid under and into the macula is called choroidal neovascularization. (The choroid is a normal layer of blood vessels between the retina and the outer, firm coat of the eye called the sclera). 

Wet AMD is generally caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina and macula. These abnormal vessels leak fluid or blood into the macula and cause a bump with swelling in the macula, resulting in vision loss & vision distortion.

Who is at risk of wet Age-related macular degeneration?

You are more likely to develop AMD if you

• Age: The risk increases with increasing age, those over 60 years of age are at a higher risk.
• have a Family History of AMD
• have hypertension 
• have heart disease
• smoke cigarettes
• are overweight
• are Caucasian 

Wet AMD Symptoms

Wet AMD usually presents with worsening vision. This is because the macula or the central part of the retina is involved and the disease is progressing. Patients may also notice

• Loss of color vision
• Difficulty in reading smaller text on mobile screens, books or recognising faces
• Straight lines appearing wavy or crooked
• Difficulty in seeing in low light
• A dark spot or loss of vision in the centre of their vision. 

Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration Diagnosis

To diagnose Wet AMD, our doctors will order some tests such as

• Visual Acuity Test
• Amsler Grid
• Dilated Retina Check up by our retina specialists
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
• Optical Coherence Tomography- Angiography (OCT-A)
• Fluorescein Angiography (FFA)

Want to know more? Read this (AMD Diagnosis on macular degeneration page)

Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatment

Wet AMD is a  rapidly progressive retina problem which needs early treatment.

The gold standard treatment methods are intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. Other methods are laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy, intravitreal steroids and or a combination of these. The aim of treatment is to slow down the rate of vision loss or stop further vision loss. Our retina surgeon specialists in Delhi NCR will help you decide the best course of action. 

Find out more about Wet macular degeneration treatment in Delhi NCR here.

Read more about AMD & its prevention here

 

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard in a video or read about on a blog or website.