What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

Dry AMD

Dry is the most common type of AMD. In the early stages, changes in vision may be hard to notice. Over time, your central vision may slowly worsen. You may see wavy lines and blank spots in the center of your vision. Colors may look dim. There is no way to restore vision lost from dry AMD. But it's important to closely watch the condition. It can progress into wet AMD.

Some people with dry AMD develop geographic atrophy (GA). This is an advanced form of dry AMD. Cells die in certain areas of the retina. This can cause blind spots, often in the center of your vision. If a person has GA in one eye, it's more likely to develop in the other eye. Medicines are available to slow the progression of GA. They are given as injections into the eye.

Wet AMD

Wet AMD is less common but more serious. Vision loss may be faster and more noticeable. You may suddenly see dark spots, blank spots, wavy lines, and dim colors in the center of your vision. It's important to find wet AMD early. Then certain treatments may help to slow further vision loss or even improve vision. These treatments include injections, photodynamic therapy, and laser surgery.