Dry AMD

What is dry AMD?

There are two types of age-related macular degeneration (AMD): dry and wet. Dry AMD is more common, accounting for about 90% of AMD cases. Dry macular degeneration may develop in one eye or both eyes, as light-sensing cells in the macula slowly break down.

As dry AMD progresses, blurred or blank spots may occur in your central visual field. Over time, everyday activities like reading and driving can become difficult.

Unless dry macular degeneration is detected in a routine eye exam, you may not even realize you have AMD, because there may be little or no visual symptoms until it is more advanced. That’s because dry AMD usually progresses slowly and without pain over a period of years. Sometimes AMD may occur only in one eye, while the other eye remains unaffected. This could mean there are no noticeable changes in overall vision.

Treatment of Dry AMD

Treatment of dry AMD focuses on monitoring and slowing its progression. Your eye care professional may also recommend lifestyle and dietary changes, together with vitamin supplementation specifically designed for your eyes. High daily doses of certain vitamins and minerals have been shown to delay the progression of dry macular degeneration, from an intermediate to an advanced stage, and maintain healthy vision.