|
|
Retina
Wet Macular Degeneration
In the wet form of macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and
lift the retina up, very much like the roots of a tree growing under a sidewalk. These
abnormal blood vessels are called subretinal neovascularization, or SRNV. The abnormal blood
vessels located under the retina may leak fluid, bleed, and lift up the retina.
When this happens, vision is reduced.
The longer the abnormal blood vessels continue to leak,
bleed, and grow, the more detail vision will be lost. An eye with the wet form of macular
degeneration will usually lose its ability to see detail. In some cases, laser treatment
done promptly may stop or minimize loss of vision but laser treatment does not guarantee
that vision won't be lost. In addition, if abnormal blood vessels occur in one eye, there is
about a one in ten chance per year that they will occur in the other eye.
The earlier
that abnormal blood vessels are discovered, the more likely that some or much of the central
(detail) vision can be saved. The later abnormal blood vessels are discovered, the less
likely laser treatment can be done.
n other words, people should pay close
attention to eyesight and see their eye doctor promptly if there is any type of change in
their vision.
|
|
