Dry macular degeneration
Yellow deposits called drusen accumulate under the macula and the light-sensitive cells and their supporting layer thin over years. Early dry AMD causes no symptoms. Intermediate AMD may cause mild blur and difficulty in dim light. Advanced dry AMD, called geographic atrophy, causes patches of central vision loss that slowly enlarge. Progression is slow, and for intermediate disease a specific formulation of antioxidant vitamins and zinc, the AREDS2 formula, reduces the risk of progression to the advanced forms. Newer injection treatments can slow geographic atrophy in selected patients.
Wet macular degeneration
In about ten to fifteen percent of patients, abnormal blood vessels grow from beneath the retina into the macula and leak fluid and blood. Vision distorts and drops over days to weeks. Untreated, the leakage scars and central vision is lost permanently. Treated promptly with injections of anti-VEGF medication, which stop the vessels leaking, large studies have shown that most patients keep their vision and many regain some. Injections are repeated at intervals for years. This is why any sudden distortion or blur in a patient with AMD is an urgent appointment.
Symptoms to watch for
- Straight lines, door frames or text that look bent, wavy or broken
- A blurred, dark or missing patch in the center of vision
- Difficulty reading, recognizing faces or seeing in dim light
- Colors appearing less vivid
Patients with AMD are given an Amsler grid to check each eye weekly at home; any new distortion is reported the same day.
Risk factors
Age above all; family history and specific genetic variants; smoking, which doubles the risk and is the one modifiable factor that matters most; cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure; and light skin and eye color. A diet rich in leafy greens and fish, not smoking, and UV protection are the sensible preventive measures.
Diagnosis and care
A dilated examination with OCT of the macula, which shows drusen, thinning and, in wet AMD, fluid under or within the retina. Retinal photography and, when wet disease is suspected, angiography by a retina specialist. Our practice diagnoses and monitors AMD, recommends the AREDS2 supplement at the intermediate stage, and refers wet AMD promptly to retina specialists for injections, continuing to manage your other eye care alongside them.
Is this right for your eyes?
Nothing on this page is a diagnosis. Whether this is what is affecting your vision is decided by a full examination at one of our 4 offices: Pasadena, Huntington Beach, Woodland Hills and Beverly Hills.
About this content: This page was written with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Bavand Youssefzadeh, DO. It is general information, not medical advice, and does not replace an eye examination. Individual results vary. Read our medical disclaimer.
