Wet vs. Dry Macular Degeneration: Key Differences and Treatment Approaches

Imagine trying to focus on the details of a beautiful painting, but your vision blurs every central image. This frustrating experience can be a reality for those facing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This condition manifests in two primary forms—wet and dry—each impacting vision differently and requiring distinct approaches to management. At The Center for Retina and Macular Disease, we’re committed to helping patients understand these differences and navigate their treatment options.
What is Wet Macular Degeneration?
Wet macular degeneration occurs when new, abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina, leaking fluid and blood that damage the macula—the part of the retina responsible for clear central vision. This type of AMD can lead to rapid and severe vision loss. Key symptoms include distorted vision, where straight lines appear wavy, and a sudden onset of blurry central vision, often progressing quickly.
What is Dry Macular Degeneration?
Dry macular degeneration involves the gradual thinning and deterioration of the macula due to the buildup of drusen (small yellow deposits) under the retina. This form is more common and progresses more slowly than the wet type, often resulting in gradually worsening blurry central vision. Symptoms include the need for more light while reading and difficulty adapting to low light levels.

Key Differences Between Wet Macular Degeneration and Dry Macular Degeneration
When comparing wet and dry AMD, several key factors highlight their differences:
- Pathology: Dry AMD is characterized by the accumulation of drusen and a gradual thinning of the macula, leading to slow vision loss. Wet AMD, however, involves the rapid growth of new blood vessels under the retina, which leak fluid and blood, causing significant damage and faster vision impairment.
- Symptoms: The symptoms of dry AMD generally appear more gradually and can be less severe initially than those of wet AMD. Dry AMD often results in a blurred spot in the center of vision, which gets larger and darker over time. Wet AMD symptoms can be more dramatic, with a quick onset of visual distortions and significant central vision loss.
- Progression: Dry AMD progresses at a slower rate and can remain stable for years without turning into wet AMD. This gradual nature allows for regular monitoring and lifestyle adjustments to help manage the condition. In contrast, wet AMD develops more rapidly and can lead to significant and permanent loss of central vision within days or weeks if left untreated. Early detection and prompt treatment are essential for both types of macular degeneration to minimize the impact of developing macular degeneration on your vision and quality of life.
- Treatment Options: Treatment for dry AMD focuses mainly on lifestyle changes and dietary supplements to slow progression and support eye health. Wet AMD requires more aggressive treatment, often involving regular intraocular injections of anti-VEGF drugs to stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels and prevent further vision loss.
- Detection and Monitoring: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring both types of AMD. For dry AMD, OCT helps track the accumulation and impact of drusen over time. For wet AMD, OCT can detect the presence and extent of fluid and blood under the retina, guiding treatment decisions.
- Impact on Lifestyle: While both types of AMD affect vision, the sudden and severe vision loss associated with wet AMD can more quickly interfere with daily activities such as driving and reading, requiring immediate adjustments and interventions.

Treatments Available
The approach to treating AMD varies based on its type:
- Wet AMD: The gold standard treatment is the injection of anti-VEGF medication directly into the eye, which can significantly slow the progression of the disease and even improve vision in some cases.
- Dry AMD: While there is no cure for dry AMD, working with an eye doctor can help manage the condition and slow its progression. Eye doctors play a key role in creating a personalized care plan that includes nutritional supplements, such as the AREDS2 formula. This formula contains vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which have been shown to slow the progression of dry AMD in some individuals. Your eye doctor can recommend the right supplements for your specific needs. Regular monitoring through eye exams and imaging tests like optical coherence tomography, allows for early detection of changes in the retina, enabling timely interventions. Additionally, your eye doctor can provide guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including adopting a nutrient-rich diet, quitting smoking, and staying physically active, all of which support overall eye health and help manage the progression of dry AMD.
Leading Care at The Center For Retina and Macular Disease
At The Center for Retina and Macular Disease, we specialize in providing advanced, personalized care for both wet and dry AMD. Our team of experts uses the latest diagnostic tools to monitor the disease closely and adapt treatment plans as needed. We understand the challenges that come with vision loss and are dedicated to supporting our patients through every step of their journey. Early detection and ongoing management are key, and we’re here to help you preserve your vision and continue enjoying a full, active life.