Macular Degeneration: Dry Form

The most common form of age-related macular degeneration is dry form, or dry AMD, which affects up to 90 percent of AMD patients. Dry AMD can cause damage to the retina in the back of the eye which can lead to vision loss. In the early stages of dry AMD, tiny deposits called drusen start appearing within the retina. These drusen may be so insignificant that you don’t experience any symptoms or vision loss. However, if dry AMD progresses, the drusen can continue to grow in size and number. Over time, this may cause a small dark spot in your central vision, causing problems while reading or driving at night. Drusen alone are not proof of macular degeneration, but they are an important warning sign. As dry AMD progresses, it can turn into the more severe form called wet AMD. This is why it is important to monitor your condition with routine eye examinations. Talk with us today to learn more about AMD and how to preserve your vision.