Wet Macular Degeneration Symptoms

Wet macular degeneration is a chronic condition affecting an individual's central vision generally resulting from a build-up of fluid or blood in the back of the eye. It most often affects those over 60 years of age. Macular degeneration can occur in one of two forms: wet or dry. The wet form is far less common than the dry form, but it is more serious. Macular degeneration usually begins with the dry form and in some people then progresses to the wet variety. So far, doctors are unable to predict those patients who are prone to progress to wet macular degeneration.

People at highest risk

Wet macular degeneration is most always a disease of older people. Those who suffer from high blood pressure or elevated levels of cholesterol are more likely to suffer from this condition as are smokers, those who are obese and those with a family history of the disease. Caucasians and females are also at higher risk.

Symptoms

Symptoms of wet macular degeneration often come on very suddenly and progress very quickly. A lessening in the central field of vision as well as a defined spot that is either blurry or blind are frequent symptoms of the disease. Many people notice a distortion of their vision which makes straight lines look crooked or hazy. In advanced cases, hallucinations involving geometric shapes can occur. From onset, these symptoms usually worsen rapidly. Peripheral vision is not affected.

Diagnosis

Anyone suffering from these symptoms should see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis increases the likelihood that medication can slow down the progression of the condition and possibly reverse some of its effects. The doctor generally performs a thorough eye examination, including the use of an Amsler grid to check for the patient's degree of visual distortion. Sometimes the doctor performs imaging or an angiogram to check for abnormal blood vessel growth, a common cause of wet macular degeneration.

Treatment

Several drugs exist which are injected directly into the eye itself in an effort to shrink abnormal blood vessels or delay or halt their growth. Laser treatments are also used, and sometimes photodynamic therapy, a sort of light therapy used with the injections, is successful. Patients can do certain things to compensate for their visual loss, including the installation of brighter lights, using magnifying glasses and selecting larger fonts for books and computer screens.

Wet macular degeneration does not cause a person to lose his or her eyesight completely, but it does impair the vision significantly if not treated. It can cause the loss of a person's independence when it progresses to the point that he or she can no longer drive or do other common tasks. To prevent or slow the progression of these effects, it is important to have the condition diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.