Difference between dry and wet AMD
What's the difference between dry and wet macular degeneration?
Have you ever heard of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)? This is one of the main causes of vision loss in people over 60–70 years old, and it raises many questions, especially when doctors explain that there are two distinct forms of the disease: dry and wet (or exudative). Understanding this difference is essential for recognizing the symptoms, seeking timely help, and taking better care of your vision.
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What is the macula and why is it so important?
The macula is the central part of the retina, responsible for seeing fine details, such as reading, recognizing faces, and watching television. As macular degeneration progresses, this area suffers progressive damage, affecting the very area of vision we use in our daily lives. Therefore, the symptoms are often very striking: blurred vision, difficulty identifying people, distorted lines (metamorphopsia), and even the presence of a dark spot in the center of vision.
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The dry form: slow and more common
Dry macular degeneration is the most common, accounting for approximately 85 to 90% of cases. It occurs slowly and progressively, with the gradual death of retinal cells. Many patients can live with this form for years and still maintain relatively good vision. Symptoms appear slowly, and the person notices that reading becomes more difficult or that images appear less clear.
Today, in addition to eye protection measures—such as quitting smoking, wearing sunglasses, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and taking specific vitamin supplements when indicated—there is also treatment with photobiomodulation using the Valeda device, which has shown promising results in improving or stabilizing the vision of patients with the dry form.
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The Wet Form: Rapid and Aggressive
Wet (or exudative) macular degeneration is less common but much more aggressive. It affects 10 to 15% of AMD patients and can develop suddenly. This occurs because new, abnormal blood vessels appear beneath the retina, leaking fluid or blood, causing swelling (edema) and rapidly impairing vision. Many patients report that they were "fine one day and then experiencing significant visual loss the next."
Treatment must begin as soon as possible to preserve vision. It involves intravitreal injections of antiangiogenic drugs, administered directly into the eye. Medications such as Eylea, Eylea HD, Vabysmo, and Lucentis can reduce vessel leakage, reduce retinal swelling, and stabilize the disease. Although vision doesn't always return completely to normal, starting treatment early greatly increases the chances of good results.
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Risk Factors That Deserve Attention
Some factors increase the chances of developing AMD, such as:
*Advanced age* (more common after age 70);
*Family history* (parent, sibling, or parent with the disease);
**Fair skin**;
*Smoking* – this is the only modifiable factor and, without a doubt, the most important.
Quitting smoking benefits not only the body but also eye health.
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Why is regular monitoring essential?
Since the wet form arises from the dry form, it is essential that already diagnosed patients receive regular follow-up with an ophthalmologist. Tests such as *optical coherence tomography (OCT)* allow for early detection of suspicious changes. The earlier the wet form is identified, the greater the chance of preserving vision with appropriate treatment.
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Conclusion
*Dry AMD* is more common and progresses slowly, while *wet AMD* is rarer but much more rapid and severe. Both affect the macula and, consequently, central vision, but have different treatments and require specific monitoring strategies. The most important thing is to maintain regular appointments with an ophthalmologist, protect your eye health in your daily life, and, most importantly, not delay seeking care if you experience new symptoms.
Taking care of your vision is taking care of your quality of life. If you or someone close to you has noticed visual changes, schedule an appointment with a specialist and assess whether follow-up or treatment is necessary.
This video and its comments are not a substitute for a medical consultation and are for educational purposes only. They should not be used for decision-making, as an in-person consultation with a specialist is required. Author:
Dr. Mário César Bulla
Cremers 28120
Ophthalmologist - Retinologist
www.clinicabulla.com.br
www.especialistaemretina.com.br
Instagram: @retina.bulla
Video URL: • Diferença entre DMRI seca e úmida
@Retina and Vitreous
#retina
#ophthalmology
0:00 What is the difference between dry and wet AMD?
1:00 How does macular degeneration progress?
1:30 Who is at higher risk for macular degeneration?