What is Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD)?
Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration is a retinal disease that may affect people as they age. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow and leak fluid under the macula, the part of the eye responsible for sharp central vision and seeing fine detail. This fluid can damage and scar the macula, which can cause vision loss.
Review Treatment Options
The goal of Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration treatment is to slow down the disease, maintain current vision, and potentially restore some lost vision.
Wet AMD is associated with abnormally high levels of a naturally occurring protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which may cause the eye to form leaky blood vessels that can lead to vision loss. Anti-VEGF medicines are injected into the eye to bind to the VEGF protein and help keep these blood vessels from leaking fluid.
Laser Therapy
Laser photocoagulation is a common treatment for Wet AMD that uses a beam of high-energy light to seal off or destroy leaking vessels and reduce the swelling that may be causing vision loss.
Who Can Develop Wet AMD?
You are more likely to develop Wet AMD if you:
- Live with Dry AMD (10-15% of cases progress to Wet AMD)
- Are 60 years or older
- Have a family history of Wet AMD
- Are female
- Are obese
- Are Caucasian
- Have a history of smoking
- Have high blood pressure
- Have heart disease
How is Wet AMD Diagnosed and Monitored?
Doctors can diagnose and monitor Wet AMD using a variety of different tests. One of the most commonly used methods is a dilated eye exam.
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Source: Look to Your Future