Dry vs. Wet Macular Degeneration: How It Works, Explained Simply

Video Transcript

Macular degeneration comes in two forms, dry and wet. They affect the same small central area of the retina, but in different ways. The dry form is far more common. Small yellow deposits called drusen build up under the macula, and over time the light-sensing cells there thin out. Dry macular degeneration usually progresses slowly, over months and years, and central vision fades gradually. In the wet form, fragile new blood vessels grow underneath the macula where they do not belong. These vessels leak fluid and blood, which lifts and swells the macula and can damage it quickly. That is why wet macular degeneration can change vision within days or weeks, often with new distortion or a dark patch in the center. Sudden central blurring or wavy lines should be checked right away, because treatment works best when it starts early. The wet form is usually treated with injections of medicine into the eye that reduce leaking. For the dry form, your doctor may discuss monitoring and specific supplements. This video is for general education only. It is not medical advice. Ask your eye doctor what's right for you.