What are the types of ARMD?
ARMD is of two types.
Dry ARMD:
With dry macular degeneration, vision loss is usually
gradual.
These patients need to monitor their central vision
regularly.
If you notice any change in your vision, you should
tell your eye doctor right away, as the dry form can
change into the more damaging form which is wet
(exudative) macular degeneration.
The hallmark feature of Dry ARMD is formation of
drusens under bruch’s membrane.
While there is no medication or treatment for dry
macular degeneration, some people may benefit
from vitamin supplements (anti-oxidants).
Wet ARMD:
About ten percent of people who have macular
degeneration have the wet form.
This can cause more damage to your central vision
than the dry form. Wet macular degeneration occurs
when abnormal blood vessels begin to grow
underneath the retina.
This blood vessel growth is called choroidal
neovascularization (CNV) because these vessels
grow from the layer under the retina called the
choroid.
These new blood vessels may leak fluid or blood,
blurring or distorting central vision.
Vision loss from this form of macular degeneration
may be faster and more noticeable than dry ARMD
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