ARMD is the number one cause of blindness in those over age 55. Factors that increase the chance of having macular degeneration include age, fair complexion, female gender, smoking and heart disease. Dry ARMD is the most common type of macular degeneration. Visual deterioration is usually milder in this form. Wet ARMD affects 10 per cent of all individuals with macular degeneration and is more severe.
Blood vessels leak fluid and blood into the retina, causing loss of vision.
Patients with wet ARMD benefit from laser treatment. Laser treatment helps seal leaking blood vessels and preserve vision. Dry ARMD is not treated with laser surgery. Careful monitoring of vision and regular eye exams are important. The surface of the macula can become wrinkled by an abnormal growth of cells.