what is wet amd

Wet macular degeneration (AMD) is a long-lasting eye disorder that causes blurred vision or a blind spot in the central vision. It is usually caused by blood vessels that leak fluid or blood into the macula, which is the part of the retina that gives the eye clear vision in the direct line of sight. Wet AMD is one of two types of age-related macular degeneration, with the other type being dry macular degeneration, which is more common and less severe. The wet type always begins as the dry type, and early detection and treatment of wet macular degeneration may help reduce vision loss. Symptoms of wet AMD usually appear suddenly and worsen quickly, and they include a blurry area near the center of vision, straight lines appearing wavy or crooked, and colors appearing less bright than before. Wet AMD is caused by abnormal blood vessels growing into the macula and leaking blood or fluid, which leads to scarring of the macula and rapid loss of central vision. There are effective treatments for wet AMD, including anti-VEGF injections and photodynamic therapy, which can slow down or stop vision loss from wet AMD. If you suspect you have wet AMD, you should be referred to a retinal specialist at a hospital directly and seen within one to two weeks, and if applicable, be treated within two weeks after initial detection.