Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is a retinal condition that affects more than 200 million people worldwide, including one million in France. AMD affects older people in different ways depending on whether it presents in the wet or dry form.

Dry AMD

The atrophic form of macular degeneration, dry AMD, causes a thinning of the macula, as well as a loss of photoreceptors, which results in a decrease in vision in the central visual field.

This form of the condition has a slow onset and requires strict monitoring because it can progress to wet AMD over the years. In fact, 35 to 65% of cases of AMD at an advanced stage are wet AMD.  

There is currently no treatment that can cure this form of macular degeneration, but several studies are underway.

Wet AMD

Wet AMD is, on the other hand, an exudative form of the disease. Less common than the dry form, it is characterized by the growth of new blood vessels into or under the retina. These blood vessels can cause bleeding or edema directly in the retina. More severe than dry AMD, wet AMD can, however, be subject to treatment to slow the progression of symptoms, such as intravitreal injections which are delivered directly into the eye.

From the first appearance of symptoms: a decrease in the ability to see when reading or watching TV, a black spot in the center of the eye or the distortion of images, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional so you can get an accurate diagnosis and set out an effective action plan.