Wet macular degeneration is a more severe form of the disease, causing blood vessels to build up under the retina and potentially leading to vision loss. Treatment options include laser therapy and medications, but success varies among patients. High doses of vitamins and minerals may also help in early stages.
Wet macular degeneration, or “wet” macular degeneration, is characterized by a buildup of blood vessels under the retina. This sometimes occurs in people who already have the “dry” form of the disease, and researchers aren’t clear why the formation occurs in some people. Wet macular degeneration is considered a more serious form of the disease, as it can be more damaging to your eyesight than the lesser form.
It is common in wet macular degeneration for the vessels under the retina to burst and lead to leaks in the retina itself. This hinders the ability to see even further. Early signs that blood is leaking into the retina include distortion of straight lines, which can appear wavy or curved. Blind spots can also occur, blocking entire portions of the site. This is due to the eye becoming bumpy due to excessive blood flow to the area.
Vision loss can be severe in people with wet macular degeneration, as it is a leading cause of legal blindness. Patients may not be able to complete daily activities such as driving a car or reading a book. Lateral vision is not usually affected to this extent, so total blindness does not normally occur unless there are other vision problems as well.
Treatments are available that may help some patients recover from the site or prevent further vision damage. The most common is a process that works to destroy or remove vessels in the eye that are causing leakage. This can be done with a laser, although the results aren’t always long-term as blood vessels often grow back. Newer treatments include medications that keep the vessels from coming back. These are generally used in conjunction with laser therapies.
These treatments are not suitable for all patients, as only certain sizes and shapes of blood vessels can be successfully removed. Also, many of the drugs are still being tested for effectiveness. Some patients may be able to maintain their vision with recurring laser treatments, while others may not see benefits.
Wet macular degeneration can also be treated successfully in patients in the early stages of the disease with high doses of vitamins and minerals. One theory as to why the vessels begin to leak is that there are deficiencies in several important nutrients, either due to lack of consumption or the eye’s inability to absorb them. Taking higher than average doses can remedy the situation and allow vision to recover.
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