About Wet AMD
Understanding Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
A chronic, degenerative condition affecting central vision
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or Macular Degeneration is a chronic, degenerative eye condition that gradually diminishes central vision, blurring or obscuring what you see when you look straight ahead. AMD, is caused by the thinning of the macula (MAK-u-luh), a part of the retina that is responsible for central vision1. With AMD, you may see a blank area in your vision or straight lines may look wavy1. It may be difficult to read a book, locate the edge of a kerb or recognise faces.
The Role of Fluid in Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (wet AMD)
How leaky blood vessels create a chronic, degenerative condition
Wet AMD (age-related macular degeneration) is a chronic, degenerative condition characterised by abnormal blood vessels that grow underneath the retina. The condition gets worse as these faulty blood vessels leak fluid in the back of the eye. This may lead to swelling and damage of the macula, the part of the retina that lets you see colour and maintain sharp vision.
A healthy retina is a dry retina. If this fluid isn’t controlled, central vision will gradually get worse, leading to difficulty doing everyday activities such as reading, recognising faces and driving1.
How does wet age-related macular degeneration affect your vision?
Chris White, the Group Chief Executive of the National Council for the Blind in Ireland (NCBI), and ophthalmologist Mark Cahill discuss the ways wet AMD can impact independence.
Will macular age-related degeneration affect both eyes?
Chris White, the Group Chief Executive of the National Council for the Blind in Ireland (NCBI), and ophthalmologist Mark Cahill discuss if wet AMD could affect both eyes.
How does wet age-related macular degeneration impact your vision?
Chris White, the Group Chief Executive of the National Council for the Blind in Ireland (NCBI), and ophthalmologist Mark Cahill discuss the ways wet AMD can impact your vision.
Is wet age-related macular degeneration hereditary?
Chris White, the Group Chief Executive of the National Council for the Blind in Ireland, and ophthalmologist Mark Cahill discuss whether wet AMD is hereditary.
Risk Factors and Symptoms: Wet age-related Macular Degeneration
Age and family history play a role
Risk factors for wet AMD include:
- diagnosis of dry macular degeneration
- age (65+)
- a family history of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- a history of smoking
- high BMI (body mass index), a measure of body fat based on height and weight for adults
Importance of Early Treatment
Why it’s critical to seek treatment early for wet age-related macular degeneration
Wet AMD – the leading cause of severe vision loss and legal blindness in people over the age of 651 – can progress rapidly. One of the causes of vision impairment and loss long-term is under treatment. Therefore, receiving treatment for wet macular degeneration early is essential to maintaining your vision and the lifestyle you love.
Treatment Evolution in wet AMD
Prompt treatment is critical to slow the progression of wet AMD, a condition that can lead to severe vision loss. Over the past few decades, treatment options for wet AMD have advanced and treatment is now more effective 1 . Treatment with an anti-VEGF is now the standard of care for wet AMD 1.
What is Anti-VEGF Treatment?
Understand how wet AMD treatment works
If you’ve been diagnosed with wet AMD, you may have heard about anti-VEGF treatment. This treatment can help protect your eyes, and it may slow down or stop vision loss.
Vision Term Glossary
A quick guide to common phrases related to wet AMD
Use this list of definitions to better understand and remember the words used with wet age-related macular degeneration.
