Occurs when deposits (yellow or white pieces of fatty protein) form under the retina. Over time the retina thins and doesn’t function properly. Most cases of AMD are of the dry form. Patients who have been diagnosed with dry AMD need to carefully monitor their vision for changes using an Amsler grid daily; changes may an indication that the dry form has progressed to the more severe exudative type.

Results when abnormal blood vessels grow underneath the retina from a layer of the retina known as the choroid. This new growth is referred to as choroidal neovascularization (CNV). These vessels can leak fluid or blood, and interfere with the central vision. This type of AMD can happen quickly, and cause more significant loss of vision than the dry form. Early diagnosis and treatment improves the chance of preserving vision; the longer these vessels leak or grow, the higher the risk of visual loss. If this occurs in one eye, it increases the risk of occurrence in the fellow eye. Close monitoring of your vision with the Amsler grid is very important to the over-all management of this condition. Any changes you see should be reported to our office immediately.