What vitamins help dry AMD?

AREDS2 supplements are proven to help slow down dry AMD progression.

What's the difference between Dry and Wet Macular Degeneration

Q: What is the main difference between dry and wet macular degeneration?

Dry AMD is slow and caused by thinning of the retina. Wet AMD is fast and caused by leaking blood vessels under the macula.

Q: Is wet macular degeneration more serious?

Yes. Wet AMD can cause rapid and severe vision loss and needs immediate treatment.

Q: Can dry macular degeneration turn into wet?

Yes. A small percentage of dry AMD cases progress into wet AMD over time.

Q: How is wet AMD treated?

Wet AMD is treated using anti-VEGF injections that stop abnormal blood vessel growth.

Q: What lifestyle changes help AMD?

Stop smoking, eat leafy vegetables, protect eyes from sunlight, and control blood pressure.

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🧿 Difference Between Dry and Wet Macular Degeneration: Simple Guide for Everyone

Macular Degeneration — also known as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) — is an eye disease that affects the central vision. This is the vision you use to read, drive, recognize faces, or see details.

If you or someone you love is newly diagnosed, this article will help you understand:

✔ Difference between Dry and Wet AMD
✔ Symptoms you should watch for
✔ Treatment options
✔ Home exercises for relief
✔ Lifestyle precautions
✔ When to get help
✔ Trusted sources for further reading

This guide is written in simple, everyday English so anyone can understand.
Save this article now for future reference — AMD is a long-term condition.

⭐ What Is the Macula? (Very Simple Explanation)

The macula is a small part of the retina that gives you sharp, clear, detailed vision.
When it becomes damaged, everything you see in the center becomes:

Blurry
Distorted
Dark
Less colorful

Peripheral (side) vision usually stays normal.

🟡 1. What Is Dry Macular Degeneration?

Dry AMD is the most common form (about 80–90% of cases).

It happens slowly over years.

✔ Causes

Dry AMD occurs because the macula becomes thin and tiny yellow deposits called drusen form under the retina.

✔ Symptoms

Slightly blurry central vision
Difficulty reading small text
Colors look dull
Trouble seeing in low light
Slow, gradual vision loss

✔ Dry AMD Progress Speed

Slow → usually many years.
Most people do NOT suddenly lose vision.

✔ Treatment

There is no cure, but vision can be protected through:

AREDS2 vitamins
Healthy eye diet
Regular check-ups
Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes
Strong light when reading

🔴 2. What Is Wet Macular Degeneration?

Wet AMD is less common but more serious.

It develops when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak blood or fluid.

✔ Symptoms

Wet AMD causes faster and more severe vision changes:

Sudden blurry or wavy vision
Dark or blank spot in the center
Fast distortion (straight lines appear bent)
Colors look washed out
Rapid vision loss (days to weeks)

✔ Progress Speed

Very fast → requires urgent treatment.

✔ Treatment

Wet AMD can be controlled with:

Anti-VEGF injections (Eylea, Lucentis, Avastin)
Laser therapy (rarely used now)

Early treatment can save vision.

⭐ 3. Main Difference Between Dry & Wet AMD (Easy Table)

Feature	Dry AMD	Wet AMD
How common?	Very common (80–90%)	Less common (10–15%)
Progress speed	Slow (years)	Fast (days–weeks)
Changes in retina	Thinning + drusen	Leaking blood vessels
Vision loss	Mild → moderate	Moderate → severe
Emergency?	No	Yes, urgent treatment needed
Treatment	Supplements, lifestyle	Eye injections, lasers