dry macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is a progressive aging change to the retina where the retina seems to “wear out” and atrophy with time.  Most people have “dry” degeneration, where the retina atrophies very slowly over many years. Gradual loss of central vision causes people to complain of difficult time reading small letters or seeing distant road signs. About 10-15% of people with dry degeneration will go on to develop “wet” degeneration. Wet macular degeneration occurs when blood vessels under the retina actually start to leak blood and serum, leading to rapid and severe vision loss.  Even though dry degeneration can cause significant vision loss given enough time, it is considered the safer type of macular degeneration as its progression is very slow.