Your macula is part of your eye’s retina. When it is healthy, it allows you to see details and provides clear vision. When there are outside factors that affect the macula, your vision will suffer. The two main types of macular degeneration are the wet form and dry form. Allow us to explain the details:
Type 1 – Wet Form
The wet form – also called exudative macular degeneration – is the least common among the two types but very serious. If the tissue that protects your macula is damaged, there is no more separation between your macula and very fine blood vessels. If these blood vessels break or leak, scar tissue may form. Leaking blood vessels and scar tissue can compromise your macula’s ability to see clearly.
Type 2 – Dry Form
The dry form – also called atrophic macular degeneration – is the most common among the two types. The main issue with dry macular degeneration is the formation of drusen – yellow deposits in the macula. As more form and/or get bigger, your vision is negatively affected. Atrophic macular degeneration can cause loss of central vision.
It’s vital to make an appointment with an eye doctor if you start noticing any vision issues. However, we highly encourage you to get regular eye exams, as the initial symptoms of macular degermation are difficult to notice. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should receive eye exams more frequently with age or if you’ve been diagnosed with an eye disease:
- Every 5 – 10 years if you are between 20 – 39 years old.
- Every 2 to 4 years if you are between 40 – 54 years old.
- Every 1 – 3 years if you are between 55 – 64 years old.
- Every 1 – 2 years if you older than 65 years old.
Eyesight Associates Can Treat Macular Degeneration
Wet form and dry form are the two types of macular degeneration that occur most often due to age. However, another form of macular degeneration that exists is called juvenile macular degeneration which affects children and young adults. If you are having trouble with vision clarity – no matter your age – contact our team right away so we can determine the culprit.
Stay tuned for part two in this series about macular degeneration:
- Part 1 – Two Types of Macular Degeneration
- Part 2 – Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments of Macular Degeneration