Types of Macular Degeneration

Some plants are easily damaged if they receive too much sun or water. Degeneration of the macula is similar in some ways. Light may play a role in the development of the "dry" type of macular degeneration, which, in turn, can be the forerunner to the "wet" type-when the macula is "flooded" with fluid. Both types lead to loss of sharp, central vision.

"Dry" Type: Gradual Vision Loss When macular cells don't work well, degeneration-even death-of these cells may occur, causing gradual vision loss. The shed tips of cones aren't easily digested, so material builds up and swelling begins to occur. Yellow mounds under the retina are often the first sign of dry macular degeneration.

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"Wet" Type: Sudden Vision Loss This type of macular degeneration may cause rapid, severe vision loss. It usually occurs when abnormal, new blood vessels grow for unknown reasons, leaking fluid or blood. The build-up of fluid causes the macula to bulge, distorting your vision. A pigment epithelium detachment may also occur.

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What You May See

Although a loss of central, sharp vision is the hallmark of macular degeneration, your vision may differ, depending on whether you have the dry or wet type.

With the "dry" type, letters may look blurry because parts of the macula have begun to die, leaving blank spots in your vision. You may also see wavy lines.

With the "wet" type, you may see dark spots in the center of your vision due to fluid under the macula, or straight lines may look wavy because the macula is no longer smooth.