The American Macular Degeneration Foundation states that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can lead to central vision loss. This is when you cannot see in detail anymore. This eye condition is common with age. Knowing the types of AMD can help you prevent it. Here are the details that you must consider.

Wet Macular Degeneration

Wet AMD is a long-term eye condition that causes a blind spot and blurry vision. The blind spot is in the central vision. The main cause of wet AMD is the leaking of blood or fluid into the macula, which provides clear central vision. The symptoms of this eye condition are the following:

• A blind spot in the field of vision
   

• Visual distortions
   

• Difficulty recognizing faces
   

• Reduced central vision
   

• Blurriness of printed words
   

• Difficulty working in low-light conditions

Until now, there is still no exact cause for wet AMD. Yet, it develops in those who have dry AMD. This eye condition can develop because of the irregular growth of blood vessels. These new vessels may leak fluid and blood into the macula. Leaking from the choroid can result in fluid buildup between the retina and the retinal pigment epithelium. Fluid and blood can also reach the inner layers of the retina. This results in vision loss or distortion.

Dry Macular Degeneration

Dry AMD is a common eye condition in people who are at least 50 years old. It breaks down the inner layers of your macula. That is why people with this condition experience reduced central vision. Dry AMD can start in one eye and then develop in the other.

In some cases, it develops in both eyes at the same time. Your vision may worsen enough to prevent you from doing your daily tasks, but you will not lose your complete vision. You will still have your peripheral vision. Early detection and treatment may delay the onset of vision loss. Here are the symptoms of dry AMD:

• A defined blind spot
   

• Anything in print appears blurrier
   

• Visual distortions
   

• Difficulty adjusting to low-lit environments
   

• Reduced central vision in one or even both eyes
   

• Having a hard time recognizing faces

This eye condition can affect one or even both of your eyes. You may not notice changes in your vision if one eye is affected. In this case, the good eye compensates for the weak eye. Dry AMD does not cause complete blindness. You can still have your peripheral vision.

This type of AMD can progress to wet AMD. There is still no clear cause for this eye condition. Studies show that it is likely a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Obesity and smoking can contribute to its onset. This eye ailment develops with age. Over time, the macular tissue may thin out. It may lose cells for vision.

Knowing the types of macular degeneration can help you work with your eye doctor to prevent it. At Cincinnati Vision Group, we work with our patients to prevent many age-related eye conditions. You can visit our facilities in Cincinnati, Liberty Township, Dayton, and West Chester, Ohio, for an in-person consultation. Please call us at 513-793-5970 (Montgomery-Cincinnati), 513-753-4981 (Eastgate-Cincinnati), 513-712-5065 (Liberty Township), 937-579-0393 (Dayton), or 937-435-4293 (West Chester) if you want to set an appointment or inquire about our AMD diagnostic and treatment packages.