Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) occurs in "dry" and "wet" forms. 90% of AMD patients suffer from the "dry" form. Patients with dry AMD may have no symptoms, or may experience slow progressive loss of central vision. Vision is affected as the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down with age. Wet AMD, also known as exudative or neovascular AMD, is caused by the growth of small, abnormal blood vessels under the retina in the macula. Wet AMD usually arises from pre-existing dry AMD. These abnormal blood vessels leak blood, fluid, lipids and protein, resulting in disruption of the normal structure of the retina. If it is not treated, scar tissue tends to form under the macula, resulting in permanent central vision loss. The "wet" form of AMD is more aggressive, and often results in severe visual loss within a short period of time.
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