Did you know that there are two types of age-related macular degeneration? Eye doctors describe AMD as either “wet” or “dry” based on how it develops. While these eye diseases share some similarities, there are key differences that set them apart.

This article will compare and contrast wet vs dry AMD so you can better understand your type. If you have more questions about wet and dry AMD, talk to your ophthalmologist or eye specialist.

What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

AMD is an eye disease that affects the macula — the center of the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue found at the back of the eye. Macular damage can eventually lead to a loss of central vision. You can have AMD in one or both eyes. AMD symptoms may be more severe in one eye than the other.

Differences Between Wet and Dry AMD

While they both fall under the umbrella of AMD, the wet and dry types have some distinct differences.

1. Wet and Dry AMD Have Different Causes

Wet AMD develops when new, abnormal blood vessels grow underneath the retina. These vessels leak blood and fluid, damaging the macula. If it’s left untreated, wet AMD can cause enough damage that leads to permanent vision loss.

On the other hand, dry AMD develops in people with yellow protein deposits beneath the macula known as drusen. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) notes that people with large drusen have a higher risk of dry AMD and vision loss.

2. Wet AMD Progresses Much Faster Than Dry AMD

Another difference between wet and dry AMD is how quickly they develop.

Dry AMD progresses slowly over time through various stages, often taking years to fully develop. It typically begins to appear in people aged 55 and older. During routine eye exams at this age, your eye doctor might detect drusen when they take a close look at your retina. As dry AMD progresses, you may notice mild symptoms like trouble seeing in low light or blurry vision.

The final and most severe stage of dry AMD is called geographic atrophy. This condition causes atrophy (cell death) in the macula. Doctors named geographic atrophy because the patches of dead cells look like a map.

On the flip side, wet AMD is very severe and progresses quickly. You’re also more likely to experience vision loss with wet AMD compared to dry AMD.

Wet AMD is very severe and progresses more quickly. You’re more likely to experience vision loss with wet AMD compared to dry AMD.

Eye experts recommend you visit your eye doctor if you notice any vision changes. It’s important to get treatment right away to prevent lasting damage. The earlier AMD is diagnosed, the better it can be managed.

3. Dry AMD Is More Common Than Wet AMD

Wet AMD is much less common than dry AMD. Overall, the wet type accounts for only 10 percent of AMD cases. However, it’s much more aggressive than dry AMD. Studies show 90 percent of cases of legal blindness result from wet AMD.

4. Ophthalmologists Treat Wet and Dry AMD Differently

Since wet and dry AMD have different causes, eye doctors treat them in distinct ways.

Wet AMD treatments usually include medications known as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors. VEGF is a protein that causes growth of new blood vessels. However, these vessels are abnormally leaky. Blocking VEGF treats wet AMD by stopping new vessels from forming beneath the macula.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved many anti-VEGF treatments:

• Aflibercept (Eylea)
• Bevacizumab (Avastin)
• Brolucizumab-dbll (Beovu)
• Faricimab-svoa (Vabysmo)
• Ranibizumab (Lucentis)

Since dry AMD isn’t caused by leaky blood vessels, there are other treatments available. Eye doctors recommend people with dry AMD take a special mix of supplements called AREDS2. This formula contains important nutrients that support your eye health. AREDS2 supplements are made with:

• Vitamins C and E
• Zinc and copper
• Antioxidants called zeaxanthin and lutein

Different classes of drugs are used to treat wet and dry AMD because they develop in different ways.

In 2023, the FDA approved two new treatments for geographic atrophy. Avacincaptad pegol (Izervay) and pegcetacoplan (Syfovre) are known as complement inhibitors. They block part of the immune system — known as the complement system — which plays a role in this eye disease. Complement inhibitors can help slow the progression of geographic atrophy.

Similarities Between Wet and Dry AMD

Even though wet and dry AMD have different causes, they still share many similarities.

1. AMD Is More Common in Older Adults

AMD is age-related, meaning that the condition tends to affect older adults. As you age, your body doesn’t work as well as it used to. The cells in your macula and retina eventually die off and don’t grow back. These age-related changes raise your risk of developing both wet and dry AMD.

Most people with AMD are diagnosed after turning 50 years old. It’s most common in those ages 70 and older.

Both types of AMD tend to be diagnosed in people after age 50 and become more common around age 70 and older.

2. Both Types Cause Blind Spots in Your Central Vision

Wet and dry AMD can affect your central vision. This is because both conditions affect your macula. You may notice a large, dark spot in the middle of your visual field. This symptom makes it harder to read, recognize faces, and see colors.

Eye doctors diagnose wet and dry AMD with an eye exam. They’ll look for signs of damage to your retina. They may also use an Amsler grid — a special grid image made with straight lines. People with wet and dry AMD may see wavy lines or distortions in the grid.

If left untreated, wet and dry AMD can progress enough to lead to vision loss and even legal blindness.

3. Wet and Dry AMD Share Similar Risk Factors

Research has found that certain factors raise your risk of developing both wet and dry AMD.

Along with older age, smoking is a major risk factor for AMD. This is because cigarette smoke contains toxic chemicals that damage the delicate tissues in your eyes. Cigarette smoking also leads to drusen formation in AMD.

Having a family history of either wet or dry AMD means you’re more likely to develop these eye diseases as well. Studies show that genetics can play a role in your AMD risk.

Other known risk factors of both wet and dry AMD include:

• Clinical obesity (having a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or higher) — Having obesity increases your chances of severe AMD.
• Race/ethnicity — White people are most likely to develop AMD, according to Mayo Clinic.
• Cardiovascular disease — Problems affecting your blood vessels or heart can also affect your eyes.

If you have any of these risk factors, talk to your eye doctor. They can suggest making healthier lifestyle choices to reduce your chances of developing AMD. Unfortunately, you can’t control every risk factor, like your age, race, or family history. It’s still important to do what you can to protect your eye health.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myAMDteam, the social network for people with age-related macular degeneration and their loved ones, members who understand life with age-related macular degeneration come together to share support, advice, and stories from their daily lives.

Are you living with wet or dry age-related macular degeneration? Do you have more questions about the similarities and differences between these conditions? Share them in the comments below or by posting on your Activities page.