Wet Macular Degeneration
Wet Age Related Macular Degeneration and other NamesWet AMD is called wet because of its new and leaky blood vessels that grow in the choroid layer of the retina. There are several names for this type of macular degeneration that reflect the description of this condition and they are: √ Subretinal neovascularization (SRNV) - which simply means new vessels underneath the retina √ Choroidal Neovascularization (new vessels in the choroid layer of the retina) √ Exudative macular degeneration (seeping of fluid or blood) √ Advanced Macular Degeneration Layers of the Retina
There are three important layers of tissue that feed the macula and remove waste products. They are:
√ Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) √ Bruch's Membrane is the inner most layer of the choroid. It acts as a blood-retinal barrier and as a support structure to the choroid.
√ The
Choroid
is made of blood vessels and capillaries and is the only source of blood to the macula.
Choroidal Neovascularization - What's That?In wet AMD, or choroidal neovascularization, the choroid layer of the retina grows new and immature blood vessels that are1) fragile and
2) leak blood and fluid into the spaces above and below the photoreceptor cone cells. 3) This blood and fluid builds up pressure and raises the macula 4) and the cone cells are damaged as well. There is rapid, permanent loss of central vision. If you hear the word subretinal neovascularization, it is just another word for wet age related macular degeneration. Subretinal simply means underneath the retina and neovascularization refers to new blood vessels. The wet form results in more vision loss than the dry form. This macular degeneration picture shows neovascular (new blood vessels) age-related macular degeneration - which is another name for wet macular degenration. Credit: National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health Ref#: EDA24
Macular Degeneration Prognosis
If you have dry AMD , you may have it for years and never develop the wet form. However, there are others who will develop wet AMD very quickly. But if you do have wet AMD in one eye, you of course have a greater risk of developing wet AMD in your second eye. The four risk factors identified by the Macular Photocoagulation Study are: 1. Five or more drusen in your second eye 2. More than one drusen larger than .064 millimeters 3. Focal hyperpigmentation (little areas of pigment clumping in the retinal pigment epithelium) 4. High blood pressure
AMD TypesMost cases of wet macular degeneration are the sub-foveal type - meaning the leaky blood vessels are beneath the fovea (the center of the macula). The main sub-types of sub-foveal AMD are:
√ Occult Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV) - 40% of wet AMD are this type; the leaky blood vessels are underneath the fovea and not readily defined. Of these three types of wet AMD it causes the least vision loss √ Predominantly Classic - 25% of wet AMD are this type; the leaky vessels are well defined √ Minimally classic (also called mixed) - 35% of cases are this type. It has a faster rate of vision loss than predominantly classic but faster than occult.
Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment
Because of the more sudden and severe vision loss associated with wet macular degeneration, seeking effective treatment becomes a personal and family mission. It is best to become educated before you develop wet AMD, because it is often necessary to make very fast treatment decisions. To find out your conventional and alternative treatment options click here:
Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment
Wet Macular Degeneration Clinical Trials
Research efforts are more focused on wet macular degeneration rather than dry macular degeneration. A complete listing of macular degeneration clinical trials can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov. To find our more about clinical trials for wet macular degeneration click here.
Clinical Trials
Visual Aids for Macular DegenerationWhen sudden vision loss occurs, it can leave you very unprepared and unaware of the many aids that are available to help you maintain your independence. 
Devices like talking alarm clocks, magnifying glasses, computer screens, large print books can make it possible to manage life by yourself. Click on this link to learn about what resources are out there to help you.
Visual Aids
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