Wet macular degeneration is the advanced form of dry macular degeneration, which means it is more severe and therefore more difficult to treat. It is caused by the irregular growth of blood vessels under the macula. Unfortunately, these blood vessels can leak fluid, protein, and blood, lifting the macula up and eventually damaging it. Destruction of the photoreceptors can eventually cause loss of central vision.
Types of Wet Macular Degeneration
This condition is further broken down into occult and classic types. The occult kind is the less severe of the two, as the growth of blood vessels is not as obvious. Thus, there is less leakage, and as a result, less severe vision loss. On the other hand, the classic type typically results in more extreme loss of vision, as both growth of new vessels and scarring is obvious.
Symptoms of Wet Macular Degeneration
You should be aware of the wet macular degeneration symptoms, since this may help you determine whether you are suffering from this condition. One of the earliest signs is that lines that you know are straight appear crooked to you. The reason for this is that your blood vessels are leaking, raising the macula up from its original spot, which can make it difficult to accurately make out how objects actually look.
Another common symptom of wet macular degeneration is a small blind spot in the center of your vision. Not surprisingly, this issue can make it hard to drive, read, or even see people clearly. This problem might be gradual, or it can occur suddenly. Either way, it is important to see your eye doctor quickly.
While it is not certain that macular degeneration of any kind is preventable, some studies have shown that ingestion of omega-3 fatty acids can slow the progression. This nutrient can be found in fish that swim in cold water. On the other hand, eating omega-6 fatty acids can actually increase the risk of developing this condition. Of course, most people with macular degeneration simply get it due to old age, and occasionally also due to other risk factors.