Wet AMD

What is Wet AMD

Neovascular or exudative AMD, the “wet” form of advanced AMD, causes vision loss due to abnormal blood vessel growth (choroidal neovascularization) in the choriocapillaris, through Bruch’s membrane, ultimately leading to blood and protein leakage below the macula. Bleeding, leaking, and scarring from these blood vessels eventually cause irreversible damage to the photoreceptors and rapid vision loss if left untreated.

Only about 10% of patients suffering from macular degeneration have the wet type.[5]

Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration

People with advanced AMD have, in one or both eyes, either: A breakdown of light-sensitive cells and supporting tissue in the central retinal area (advanced dry form); or abnormal and fragile blood vessels under the retina that can leak fluid or bleed (wet form).

Symptoms and Treatment of Wet AMD

The main symptoms of wet AMD include gradual vision loss, color vision loss, distorted vision and dark or empty areas within the center of vision. The common treatment for this condition involves the use of a beam of light, called photocoagulation. The light focuses on the areas where blood vessels leak and seals them, preventing further damaged to the macula. Other treatments such as Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) are available to help prevent additional damage.