The two forms of AMD
Here in Northern Colorado, there are two different types of Macular Degeneration dry (non-neovascular) or wet (neovascular). Neovascular refers to the damaging and abnormal growth of new blood vessels in an area of the body, (such as the macula).
The dry classification of AMD is far more prevalent – about 85% to 90% of all cases of the disease are the dry form.
Dry Macular Degeneration
Dry AMD is the form that Macular Degeneration takes at the beginning stages of development. For most people it is the result of the aging and thinning of macular tissues, depositing of pigment in the macula, or a combination of the two processes.
The diagnosis of dry macular degeneration happens when golden colored dots called drusen begin to form in the macula. Drusen are understood to be the remains of deteriorating macular tissue. Some people here in Fort Collins, Loveland and Greeley do experience slow central vision loss with dry AMD. The loss of vision experienced from this type of the disease is usually not as intense as that caused by wet AMD.
There was a major study conducted by the National Eye Institute (NEI) where they looked into the many risk factors for developing macular degeneration and cataracts. In the research that they conducted, called the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), the results showed that high levels of antioxidants and zinc could greatly cut down on the probability of advanced dry AMD and its related loss of vision. This research also showed that consuming high dose formulas containing beta carotene, vitamins C and E and zinc can minimize the probability of early stage AMD progression by 25%.
Today in Northern Colorado, the early detection of dry macular degeneration is very crucial to the long-term treatments being the most effective.
Wet macular degeneration
Wet AMD is the more advanced and damaging type of the disease. Only in about 10% of cases, dry AMD progresses to wet macular degeneration.
With wet AMD, there is the formulation of new blood vessels that grow underneath the retina and leak blood and fluid. This leakage of fluids then causes permanent damage to light-sensitive cells in the retina, thus causing blind spots or a complete central vision loss.
In an attempt to repair itself the body tries to form a new network of blood vessels to carry needed nutrients and oxygen to the macula but this only causes additional damage to the eye and a person’s vision.
For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call 970-204-4020 or click on the link on the side of the page.
