Being diagnosed with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) can feel overwhelming, especially when you're faced with unfamiliar terms like "dry" and "wet." Understanding the difference is more than a matter of semantics—it’s the first step toward taking control of your eye health and your treatment journey.

At Retina Eye UK, we believe that an informed patient is an empowered partner in their own care. This guide will clearly explain the key differences between dry and wet AMD, demystifying the condition so you can have confident, productive conversations with your specialist.

To understand AMD, let's start with the basics. Imagine your eye is a camera. The retina is the film (or digital sensor) at the back, capturing the images you see. The very centre of this retina is the macula. It’s a tiny area, but it’s responsible for your sharp, central vision—the vision you use for reading, driving, recognising faces, and seeing fine details.

AMD is a condition that damages this crucial macula. It's "age-related" because the risk increases as we get older. The two types—dry and wet—differ fundamentally in how they cause this damage.

What it is: Dry AMD (also called atrophic AMD) is the more common form, accounting for about 85-90% of cases. It is characterized by a slow, gradual breakdown of the light-sensitive cells in the macula.

The Underlying Cause: The process begins with the accumulation of small yellow deposits called drusen. Think of drusen as tiny piles of metabolic "garbage" that build up under the retina. As they grow in size and number, they can disrupt and eventually break down the delicate retinal tissue, causing it to thin and atrophy (waste away).

• Early Stage: Often has no symptoms. Small drusen may be present.

• Intermediate Stage: More and larger drusen. You may notice mild blurriness or need more light for reading.

• Late Stage (Geographic Atrophy): Significant areas of the macula stop working, leading to a noticeable blurry or blind spot in the centre of your vision. Vision loss is usually gradual, occurring over many years.

What it is: Wet AMD (also called neovascular AMD) is less common but far more serious and fast-acting. It is responsible for the majority of cases of severe vision loss from AMD.

The Underlying Cause: Wet AMD occurs when the body, in a faulty attempt to restore blood supply to the oxygen-deprived retina, grows abnormal, fragile blood vessels underneath the macula. This process is called choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

Why it's "Wet": These new vessels are weak and prone to leaking blood and fluid into the retina—hence the name "wet" AMD. This leakage causes rapid damage and scarring to the macula.

• Onset: Symptoms can appear suddenly and worsen quickly—over weeks or even days.

• Key Symptoms: A dramatic distortion of vision where straight lines (like door frames or lines on a grid) appear wavy or bent. A central blurry or dark spot can also appear and grow rapidly.

Crucial Note: It is possible to have dry AMD in one eye and wet in the other. Dry AMD can also progress into wet AMD at any time. This is why regular monitoring, even for stable dry AMD, is absolutely essential.

At Retina Eye UK, founded by Ms Sharon (Ling Zhi) Heng, a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon from Moorfields Eye Hospital, we specialise in accurately diagnosing and managing both forms of AMD. Our process is built on cutting-edge technology and compassionate, clear communication.

We don't guess; we see. Using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), we take high-resolution, cross-sectional scans of your retina. This allows us to:

• Detect and measure drusen in dry AMD.

• Identify the subtle fluid and leakage under the macula that defines wet AMD.

This technology is crucial for telling the two types apart and forming an exact treatment plan.

• For Dry AMD: While there is no cure, we focus on slowing progression. We provide robust guidance on the AREDS2 nutritional supplements (which have been proven in clinical trials to help) and specific lifestyle advice on diet, smoking cessation, and exercise.

• For Wet AMD: We act swiftly. The gold-standard private AMD treatment is anti-VEGF injections. Ms Heng, with her over 15 years of expertise, expertly administers these medications directly into the eye. They work by blocking the protein (VEGF) that signals the growth of the leaky vessels, effectively stopping the leakage and often leading to a significant recovery of vision.

One of the most powerful tools you have is self-monitoring. We provide patients with an Amsler grid. Checking this grid daily, one eye at a time, can help you catch the early signs of wet AMD—specifically, new distortion—allowing you to seek immediate treatment and save your sight.

A diagnosis of AMD is a journey, but you are not walking it alone. At Retina Eye UK, we are here to be your guide, your expert, and your partner every step of the way.

If you have been diagnosed with AMD or are experiencing changes in your central vision, don't wait. Reach out to our specialist team at Retina Eye UK for a comprehensive assessment and a personalised care plan designed to protect your vision.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your treatment.

Being diagnosed with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) can feel overwhelming, especially when you're faced with unfamiliar terms like "dry" and "wet." Understanding the difference is more than a matter of semantics—it’s the first step toward taking control of your eye health and your treatment journey.

At Retina Eye UK, we believe that an informed patient is an empowered partner in their own care. This guide will clearly explain the key differences between dry and wet AMD, demystifying the condition so you can have confident, productive conversations with your specialist.

To understand AMD, let's start with the basics. Imagine your eye is a camera. The retina is the film (or digital sensor) at the back, capturing the images you see. The very centre of this retina is the macula. It’s a tiny area, but it’s responsible for your sharp, central vision—the vision you use for reading, driving, recognising faces, and seeing fine details.

AMD is a condition that damages this crucial macula. It's "age-related" because the risk increases as we get older. The two types—dry and wet—differ fundamentally in how they cause this damage.

What it is: Dry AMD (also called atrophic AMD) is the more common form, accounting for about 85-90% of cases. It is characterized by a slow, gradual breakdown of the light-sensitive cells in the macula.

The Underlying Cause: The process begins with the accumulation of small yellow deposits called drusen. Think of drusen as tiny piles of metabolic "garbage" that build up under the retina. As they grow in size and number, they can disrupt and eventually break down the delicate retinal tissue, causing it to thin and atrophy (waste away).

• Early Stage: Often has no symptoms. Small drusen may be present.

• Intermediate Stage: More and larger drusen. You may notice mild blurriness or need more light for reading.

• Late Stage (Geographic Atrophy): Significant areas of the macula stop working, leading to a noticeable blurry or blind spot in the centre of your vision. Vision loss is usually gradual, occurring over many years.

What it is: Wet AMD (also called neovascular AMD) is less common but far more serious and fast-acting. It is responsible for the majority of cases of severe vision loss from AMD.

The Underlying Cause: Wet AMD occurs when the body, in a faulty attempt to restore blood supply to the oxygen-deprived retina, grows abnormal, fragile blood vessels underneath the macula. This process is called choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

Why it's "Wet": These new vessels are weak and prone to leaking blood and fluid into the retina—hence the name "wet" AMD. This leakage causes rapid damage and scarring to the macula.

• Onset: Symptoms can appear suddenly and worsen quickly—over weeks or even days.

• Key Symptoms: A dramatic distortion of vision where straight lines (like door frames or lines on a grid) appear wavy or bent. A central blurry or dark spot can also appear and grow rapidly.

Crucial Note: It is possible to have dry AMD in one eye and wet in the other. Dry AMD can also progress into wet AMD at any time. This is why regular monitoring, even for stable dry AMD, is absolutely essential.

At Retina Eye UK, founded by Ms Sharon (Ling Zhi) Heng, a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon from Moorfields Eye Hospital, we specialise in accurately diagnosing and managing both forms of AMD. Our process is built on cutting-edge technology and compassionate, clear communication.

We don't guess; we see. Using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), we take high-resolution, cross-sectional scans of your retina. This allows us to:

• Detect and measure drusen in dry AMD.

• Identify the subtle fluid and leakage under the macula that defines wet AMD.

This technology is crucial for telling the two types apart and forming an exact treatment plan.

• For Dry AMD: While there is no cure, we focus on slowing progression. We provide robust guidance on the AREDS2 nutritional supplements (which have been proven in clinical trials to help) and specific lifestyle advice on diet, smoking cessation, and exercise.

• For Wet AMD: We act swiftly. The gold-standard private AMD treatment is anti-VEGF injections. Ms Heng, with her over 15 years of expertise, expertly administers these medications directly into the eye. They work by blocking the protein (VEGF) that signals the growth of the leaky vessels, effectively stopping the leakage and often leading to a significant recovery of vision.

One of the most powerful tools you have is self-monitoring. We provide patients with an Amsler grid. Checking this grid daily, one eye at a time, can help you catch the early signs of wet AMD—specifically, new distortion—allowing you to seek immediate treatment and save your sight.

A diagnosis of AMD is a journey, but you are not walking it alone. At Retina Eye UK, we are here to be your guide, your expert, and your partner every step of the way.

If you have been diagnosed with AMD or are experiencing changes in your central vision, don't wait. Reach out to our specialist team at Retina Eye UK for a comprehensive assessment and a personalised care plan designed to protect your vision.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your treatment.