Understanding Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that impacts the part of the eye that provides sharp, central vision and is a leading cause of blindness in people age 60 and over.1 Wet AMD is an advanced form of the disease that can cause rapid and severe vision loss.2
A Growing Disease
PREVALENCE OF AMD
Approximately 11 million Americans have some form of macular degeneration, while 1.1 million or 10% of those Americans have wet AMD2
IMPACT OF WET AMD
90% of AMD-related severe vision loss is caused by wet AMD,2 and about 200,000 new cases of wet AMD are diagnosed each year in the U.S.3
Effect of Wet AMD on Your Eye2
Damage can lead to rapid and severe vision loss
Abnormal blood vessels form within the retina
The blood vessels leak blood or fluid in the macula, causing swelling or damage
Impact on Everyday Vision
Wet AMD may impact the ability to:4
SEE OR RECOGNIZE FACES
READ AND WRITE
DRIVE
WATCH TV
Signs and Symptoms
Wet AMD can typically appear suddenly and progress quickly.5 Symptoms typically include:6
SUDDEN BLURRED VISION
BLIND SPOTS DEVELOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FIELD OF VISION
DIFFICULTY DISTINGUISHING COLORS
EDGES OR LINES APPEAR WAVY
AMD Risk Factors7
AGE
OBESITY
FAMILY HISTORY
GENDER
Women are at a higher risk for AMD
RACE
Caucasians are more likely to develop AMD
SMOKING
Increases risk by 2-5 times
Annual Dilated Retina Eye Exam
Visit a retina specialist annually for a dilated retina eye exam. It’s the best way to detect changes in vision.
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