What are dry and wet macular degeneration?

Very different: There are two general forms: dry accounts for about 85% of cases which is the slow breakdown of macular pigment and vision decrease. The wet form has a more rapid progression with formation of new blood vessels, severe vision loss and occasionally intraocular hemorrhage. There are new medications which can address this.

Subcategory: Divided this way since the treatment is different. Wet forms are currently treated with serial anti-vegf injections. Dry does not have leakage but can lead to geographic atrophy which also permanently decreases vision.

Loss of vision w/age: This is a failure of the maintainance of the health of vessels supplying the critical, central portion of the retina. In the 'wet' form, the vessels leak and can cause sudden, profound vision loss. The dry form vessels slowly dry up, leading to gradual vision loss. Meds to treat the wet form are available and if successful, convert you to the dry form. Use the areds supplement to slow it down.