Wet Macular Degeneration – Symptoms Causes

What Is Wet Macular Degeneration

Wet macular degeneration is a serious eye disorder that affects central vision. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels leak fluid or blood into the macula. The macula is the central part of the retina that handles detailed vision.

This condition always develops from dry macular degeneration. Dry macular degeneration is more common but less severe. Both are types of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

People with wet macular degeneration typically experience:

• Blurred vision
• Reduced central vision
• Distorted vision (straight lines appear wavy)
• Difficulty recognizing faces

When detected and treated promptly, treatments can slow vision loss and sometimes even improve sight. Regular eye exams are important for those at risk, especially older adults.

Signs and Symptoms

Wet macular degeneration often appears suddenly with symptoms that get worse quickly. People may notice:

• Visual changes like straight lines appearing bent
• Central vision loss in one or both eyes
• Need for brighter lighting when reading or doing detailed work
• Poor adjustment to dim lighting, such as when entering a dark restaurant
• Blurrier text when reading printed materials
• Face recognition problems
• A clear blurry spot or blind spot in your vision

It’s important to note that this condition doesn’t affect peripheral (side) vision, so it doesn’t cause complete blindness.

When Medical Help Is Needed

Visit an eye doctor right away if you:

• Notice any changes in your central vision
• Find it harder to see fine details

These changes could be early warning signs of macular degeneration, especially if you’re over 60 years old. Early detection may help manage the condition more effectively.

Causes

Wet macular degeneration always develops from the dry form of this condition. While the exact trigger remains unknown, about 20% of people with age-related macular degeneration progress to this more severe wet type.

There are two main ways wet macular degeneration can develop:

Abnormal Blood Vessel Growth

New blood vessels sometimes grow from the choroid up into the macula. The choroid is the blood vessel layer between the retina and sclera. This abnormal growth is called choroidal neovascularization.

It creates vessels that leak blood or fluid, damaging retinal function and causing vision loss.

Fluid Accumulation

Leakage from the choroid can create fluid buildup either between the retina and the retinal pigment epithelium (a thin cell layer) or within the retina’s layers. This fluid creates irregularities in the macula that distort vision or cause vision loss.

The process typically begins with changes to the macula that occur during the dry form of the disease. Over time, these changes can trigger the body to create new, problematic blood vessels in an attempt to improve blood supply to the eye.

Risk Factors

Several factors can raise your chance of developing macular degeneration:

• Age: People over 50 face a higher risk
• Family history: The condition often runs in families due to genetic links
• Race: White individuals have higher rates
• Smoking: Regular tobacco use or exposure significantly increases risk
• Obesity: Being overweight can cause early or intermediate forms to worsen
• Heart health: Cardiovascular diseases may increase vulnerability

These factors don’t guarantee you’ll develop the condition, but they do raise your chances.

Complications

People with advanced wet macular degeneration who experience central vision loss face an increased risk of depression and social isolation. These emotional and social challenges can significantly impact quality of life.

In cases of severe vision loss, some individuals may develop Charles Bonnet syndrome, a condition that causes visual hallucinations. These hallucinations occur despite the person being mentally sound.

Prevention

Regular eye checkups are key to finding early signs of macular degeneration. You can take several steps to lower your risk of developing this condition.

Managing Your Health

Taking care of your overall health plays a big role in eye protection. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s advice carefully. Take all prescribed medications and attend regular checkups.

Avoiding Tobacco

People who smoke face a much higher risk of macular degeneration than non-smokers. If you smoke, ask a healthcare provider about effective quitting strategies. Even long-term smokers can benefit from quitting.

Maintaining Healthy Weight

A healthy weight and regular exercise help protect your eyes. If weight loss is needed, reduce daily calorie intake, increase physical activity, and aim for consistent, moderate exercise.

Eating for Eye Health

Your diet strongly influences eye health. Focus on these nutritious choices:

Foods Rich in Antioxidants:

• Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale)
• Colorful fruits (berries, oranges)
• Yellow and orange vegetables
• Bell peppers

These foods contain vitamins that may reduce macular degeneration risk.

Adding Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Fish and certain nuts provide important nutrients for eye health:

Food Sources	Benefits
Salmon, tuna, mackerel	Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Walnuts, flaxseeds	Plant-based omega-3 sources
Fish oil supplements	Alternative for non-fish eaters

Research suggests these foods may help protect against macular degeneration.

Protecting Your Eyes

Other practical prevention steps include:

1. Wear sunglasses that block UV rays when outdoors.
2. Control screen time and take regular breaks.
3. Stay hydrated throughout the day.
4. Get enough sleep to allow your eyes to recover.