{"id":324,"date":"2023-09-27T07:31:53","date_gmt":"2023-09-27T07:31:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/?p=324"},"modified":"2023-09-28T11:41:29","modified_gmt":"2023-09-28T11:41:29","slug":"dry-or-wet-macular-degeneration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/blog\/dry-or-wet-macular-degeneration\/","title":{"rendered":"Which Is Worse: Dry or Wet Macular Degeneration?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Macular degeneration, commonly referred to as age-related macular degeneration (<a href=\"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/blog\/macular-degeneration\/\">AMD<\/a>), is the leading cause of vision loss among elderly individuals in the UK. This condition affects the macula, a small central area of the retina responsible for our detailed and central vision. As <a href=\"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/blog\/vision-lose-with-macular-degeneration\/\">AMD progresses<\/a>, it can severely hinder a person&#8217;s ability to read, drive, and even recognise faces.<\/p>\n<p>AMD exists in two main forms: dry (non-neovascular) and wet (neovascular). But which form is more severe? In this article, we delve into the characteristics, treatments, and prognosis of both types.<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-326 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/woman-at-ophthalmologists-check-up-min.jpg\" alt=\"woman at ophthalmologist's check-up\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/woman-at-ophthalmologists-check-up-min.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/woman-at-ophthalmologists-check-up-min-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/woman-at-ophthalmologists-check-up-min-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Understanding dry macular degeneration<\/h2>\n<p>Dry AMD is the more common form of the disease, accounting for about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/nursing-and-health-professions\/age-related-macular-degeneration\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">80-90% of all AMD cases<\/a>. Its onset is typically gradual, and many individuals with dry AMD might not notice any significant symptoms in the early stages.<\/p>\n<h3>Characteristics<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Drusen formation: Tiny yellow or white deposits called drusen accumulate beneath the retina. While a small amount of drusen can be normal with age, larger and numerous drusen are a sign of AMD.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Retinal thinning: Over time, the retinal cells in the macula become thin and slowly die, leading to visual disturbances.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Symptoms<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Blurred or hazy vision<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">A gradual loss of central vision<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Difficulty adapting to low-light conditions<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Need for brighter light for reading and other tasks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Treatment<\/h3>\n<p>Currently, there&#8217;s no cure for dry AMD. However, certain lifestyle changes like not smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and regular eye check-ups can slow its progression. Nutritional supplements like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Pure-Optical-Zeaxanthin-Supplement-Vegetarian\/dp\/B09T9RLV7S\/?maas=maas_adg_8DA4F5119A4A084BE788B61DD5496CDE_afap_abs&amp;ref_=aa_maas&amp;tag=maas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eyesight Plus AREDS 2 Vitamins<\/a> for Eyes have also shown promise in reducing the risk of AMD progression.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Pure-Optical-Zeaxanthin-Supplement-Vegetarian\/dp\/B09T9RLV7S\/?maas=maas_adg_8DA4F5119A4A084BE788B61DD5496CDE_afap_abs&amp;ref_=aa_maas&amp;tag=maas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-188 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/eyesight-plus-min.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1257\" height=\"902\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/eyesight-plus-min.png 1257w, https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/eyesight-plus-min-300x215.png 300w, https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/eyesight-plus-min-1024x735.png 1024w, https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/eyesight-plus-min-768x551.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1257px) 100vw, 1257px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Understanding wet macular degeneration<\/h2>\n<p>Though less common than its dry counterpart, wet AMD is often more aggressive and can lead to significant vision loss within a short time.<\/p>\n<h3>Characteristics<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Abnormal blood vessels: In wet AMD, new blood vessels grow beneath the retina. These vessels are fragile and can leak fluid or blood.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Macular scarring: The leakage from these blood vessels can lead to scarring of the macula, resulting in rapid and severe vision loss.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Symptoms<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Sudden onset of blurred vision.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Dark spots or shadows appear in the central vision.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Distorted vision (straight lines might appear wavy).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Treatment<\/h3>\n<p>Wet AMD treatments aim to reduce the number of abnormal blood vessels and prevent leakage. Common treatments include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Laser therapy: <\/b>High-energy laser light can be used to destroy actively growing abnormal blood vessels.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Anti-VEGF injections:<\/b> Drugs that block a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor can prevent new blood vessels from forming.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Photodynamic therapy:<\/b> A two-step treatment in which a light-sensitive drug is used in conjunction with a laser to destroy abnormal blood vessels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Comparison: which is worse?<\/h2>\n<p>While dry AMD is more common and tends to progress slowly, wet AMD is generally considered more severe due to the following reasons:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b> Rapid progression:<\/b> Wet AMD can lead to significant vision loss in a matter of weeks or months, unlike dry AMD, which can take years.<\/li>\n<li><b> Potential for severe vision loss:<\/b> Due to the risk of scarring, wet AMD can cause a more substantial loss of central vision than dry AMD.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>However, it&#8217;s important to note that dry AMD can eventually progress to wet AMD. Hence, regular eye check-ups are crucial to detect and manage the condition early.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-329 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/eye-check-up-min.jpg\" alt=\"eye check up\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/eye-check-up-min.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/eye-check-up-min-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/eye-check-up-min-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>A deeper dive into the root causes<\/h2>\n<p>Understanding the potential <a href=\"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/blog\/what-causes-macular-degeneration\/\">causes and risk factors of AMD<\/a> can help shed light on the severity and progression of the disease.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Genetic factors<\/h3>\n<p>Genetics play a role in the development of both dry and wet AMD. Certain genes have been identified that can increase the risk. If AMD runs in the family, regular eye check-ups become even more critical.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Environmental factors<\/h3>\n<p>Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, particularly from the sun, can increase the risk of AMD. Protecting the eyes with sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays is essential.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Smoking<\/h3>\n<p>Smoking is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for both dry and wet AMD. Individuals who smoke are at a substantially increased risk of developing AMD than those who do not.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Cardiovascular disease<\/h3>\n<p>People with high blood pressure or other heart conditions might have an elevated risk of developing wet AMD.<\/p>\n<h2>The impact on daily life<\/h2>\n<p>While we have identified wet AMD as generally more severe, it&#8217;s crucial to understand the real-life implications of both conditions.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Driving<\/h3>\n<p>Both forms of AMD can make driving difficult, especially at night. The loss of central vision can hinder a person&#8217;s ability to see traffic lights or read road signs.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Reading and writing<\/h3>\n<p>Fine tasks such as reading small print, writing, or even threading a needle can become incredibly challenging.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-328 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/book-reading-min.jpg\" alt=\"book reading\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/book-reading-min.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/book-reading-min-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/book-reading-min-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>3. Facial recognition<\/h3>\n<p>As the disease progresses, recognising faces, even of close family members, can be a struggle. This can lead to emotional and social challenges.<\/p>\n<h2>Support and coping mechanisms<\/h2>\n<p>Living with AMD requires a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Visual aids<\/h3>\n<p>Many individuals with AMD benefit from visual aids like magnifying glasses, large-print books, or screen-reading software for computers.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Home modifications<\/h3>\n<p>Simple changes in the home, like increased lighting and high-contrast settings, can make daily tasks easier.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Support groups<\/h3>\n<p>There are numerous support groups for individuals with AMD. Sharing experiences and coping mechanisms can be therapeutic.<\/p>\n<h2>Both types of AMD can impact your life<\/h2>\n<p>While comparing dry vs. wet AMD underscores the latter&#8217;s severity, both forms of the disease can profoundly impact quality of life. By understanding the causes, real-world implications, and available treatments, individuals can better prepare and manage their condition.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This guide compares dry and wet forms of macular degeneration in terms of severity and prognosis. Though wet is often more severe, treatment advancements offer new hope.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":325,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[18,20,17,19],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/324"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=324"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/324\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":335,"href":"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/324\/revisions\/335"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/325"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=324"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=324"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=324"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}