Dry AMD and wet AMD are two forms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that affects the macula and central vision. Dry AMD is the more common form and tends to change gradually. Wet AMD — caused by abnormal blood vessels that leak fluid or blood in the macula — is less common, but it is more often linked to faster central vision change and to injection treatment.
What is age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?
Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is a disease of the macula — the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. It can make reading, recognizing faces, and seeing fine detail more difficult. Some people notice very little in the earlier stages.
What is dry AMD?
Dry AMD is the more common form. It develops when the macula shows age-related changes such as drusen and thinning of retinal tissue. It often changes gradually over time and may be present for years before it causes major visual symptoms.
What is wet AMD?
Wet AMD happens when abnormal blood vessels grow under or within the macula and leak fluid or blood. It is less common than dry AMD, but it is more often associated with faster central vision change.
Dry AMD vs wet AMD: how they compare
Dry and wet AMD are related, but they behave differently. Dry AMD is often monitored over time, while wet AMD is the form more often linked to active leakage and to treatment with medication injected into the eye, called an intravitreal injection.
| Dry AMD | Wet AMD | |
|---|---|---|
| How common | More common form | Less common |
| What happens in the macula | Age-related changes such as drusen and thinning of retinal tissue | Abnormal blood vessels grow under or within the macula and leak fluid or blood |
| How it tends to change | Often gradual; may be present for years before major symptoms | More often associated with faster central vision change |
| Typical approach | Often monitored over time | More often linked to active leakage and treatment with an intravitreal injection |
Key takeaway
Dry AMD is the more common, slower-changing form. Wet AMD involves abnormal leaking blood vessels and is the form more often associated with faster central vision change and injection treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more common, dry or wet AMD?
Dry AMD is the more common form; wet AMD is less common.
What is the main difference between dry and wet AMD?
Dry AMD involves gradual, age-related changes in the macula. Wet AMD involves abnormal blood vessels that leak fluid or blood and is more often associated with faster central vision change.
Is wet AMD treated with injections?
Wet AMD is the form more often linked to treatment with medication injected into the eye, called an intravitreal injection.
Does dry AMD usually change quickly?
Dry AMD often changes gradually over time and may be present for years before it causes major visual symptoms.
Retina care and referrals in Hamilton
Retina Consultants of Hamilton provides educational information on macular conditions, and Precision Retina Care accepts patient referrals from optometrists and referring physicians in the Hamilton area. Learn more about how wet AMD is managed or visit our referral information page.
Related reading:
General educational information only. This page is not a substitute for an eye examination or individualized medical advice. Specific referral, testing, and treatment decisions depend on clinical assessment.
Reviewed by Dr. Varun Chaudhary, vitreoretinal specialist, Retina Consultants of Hamilton.