Do You Know What Atrophic Macular Degeneration Is?

Although the dry form causes less vision loss than the wet form, it can and does progress and it can in fact turn into the wet form.

If you've been checking the macular degeneration studies blog you may have come across some terminology that you're not familiar with.

Most people are aware of the two main types of age related macular degeneration - wet and dry. But both of these types of AMD have other names as well.

Today we will look at terms used for dry macular degeneration.

Other names for dry AMD include non-exudative macular degeneration, non-neovascular AMD, atrophic macular degeneration, or geographic atrophy.

Non-exudative or non-neovascular means that there are no fragile, leaky blood vessels growing in the retina like there are with wet AMD. Atrophy refers to the degeneration or dying of cells.

In atrophic or dry macular degeneration:

cells die or disappear in the retinal pigment epithelium and

the cone cells in the macula die or degenerate.

Cone cells are responsible for our sharp, detailed vision, so when some of these cells start to disappear or die, our vision becomes more blurred.

Although, dry AMD progresses slower than wet age related macular degeneration, it usually does progress.

To learn more about the different stages of dry AMD and how to identify which stage you may be in click here:
Stages of Dry or Atrophic Macular Degeneration

Thanks so much for subscribing to Macular Degeneration News.

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Better Health for Better Vision