What is the difference between Dry and Wet ARMD?

Dry ARMD is the most common form, characterized by the thinning of the macula and the buildup of yellow deposits called Drusen. Wet ARMD is more severe and occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood, causing rapid vision loss.

Can Macular Degeneration be cured?

There is currently no cure for ARMD, but it can be managed effectively. Dry ARMD is managed with specific vitamin supplements (AREDS2), while Wet ARMD is treated with Anti-VEGF injections to stop leakage and preserve vision.

What is an Amsler Grid?

An Amsler Grid is a simple tool used at home to monitor your central vision. If the straight lines on the grid appear wavy, distorted, or missing, it may indicate a progression from Dry to Wet ARMD, requiring an immediate clinical evaluation.

Are the injections for Wet ARMD painful?

No. We use powerful numbing drops and sometimes a local anesthetic injection to ensure the procedure is virtually painless. Most patients feel only a slight pressure during the few seconds it takes to administer the medication.

Does ARMD lead to total blindness?

ARMD affects only your central vision, which is needed for reading and recognizing faces. It does not typically affect your peripheral (side) vision, so it rarely leads to total 'black' blindness, but it can make daily tasks very difficult without treatment.

Macular Degeneration (ARMD) Treatment in Jaipur

Understanding ARMD

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50. It specifically targets the macula, the small central portion of the retina responsible for the sharp, detailed vision needed for tasks like reading, driving, and recognizing faces.

ARMD does not cause total blindness, as peripheral (side) vision remains intact. However, the loss of central vision can be profound. The disease progresses in two primary forms: the more common "Dry" form and the more aggressive "Wet" form. Understanding which type you have is critical for determining the appropriate clinical intervention.

Dry vs. Wet ARMD: The Clinical Difference

Dry ARMD (Non-Exudative)
Characterized by the gradual thinning of macular tissues and the accumulation of Drusen (yellow deposits). It progresses slowly over years and is managed through nutritional therapy (AREDS2) and lifestyle changes.
Wet ARMD (Exudative)
A more advanced stage where abnormal, fragile blood vessels grow under the macula. These vessels leak fluid or blood, causing rapid distortion and sudden vision loss. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate injections.

The Diagnostic & Treatment Protocol

At Prasan Nethralaya, we utilize high-definition imaging to monitor the health of your macula down to the cellular level. Early detection is the only way to prevent irreversible scarring.

1. High-Definition OCT Imaging

The Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is our primary tool for managing ARMD. This non-invasive scan provides cross-sectional images of the retina, allowing us to see Drusen in Dry ARMD and detect even microscopic amounts of fluid leakage in Wet ARMD. Regular OCT scans are mandatory for patients receiving injections to track their response to treatment.

2. Anti-VEGF Injection Therapy

For Wet ARMD, the standard of care is Anti-VEGF therapy. Medications such as Accentrix, Razumab, or Eylea are injected into the eye to block the "Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor" protein that causes abnormal vessel growth. These injections stop the leakage, shrink the abnormal vessels, and in many cases, can significantly improve visual clarity. The procedure is performed under strict sterile conditions and is virtually painless.

3. Home Monitoring: The Amsler Grid

Because ARMD can change from Dry to Wet between clinical visits, we provide all our patients with an Amsler Grid. By checking the grid daily with one eye at a time, patients can detect Metamorphopsia (distortion). If the straight lines of the grid appear wavy, curved, or broken, it is a sign of active fluid leakage, and the patient must contact Dr. Jaideep Sharma immediately.

Lifestyle & Nutritional Support

For patients with Dry ARMD, clinical studies (AREDS and AREDS2) have shown that a specific combination of high-dose antioxidants—including Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Zinc—can reduce the risk of progressing to the advanced Wet stage by approximately 25%. Additionally, stopping smoking is the single most important lifestyle change a patient can make, as smokers are four times more likely to develop advanced ARMD.

Retina Specialist

Dr. Jaideep Sharma

Vitreoretina Expert

Specializing in advanced medical retina and precision Anti-VEGF injection protocols for ARMD management.

View Credentials ↗

Request an ARMD Screen

Early diagnosis is the only way to prevent vision loss. Secure your OCT evaluation today.

Patient
Questions.

Clinical clarity regarding Dry vs Wet ARMD, Amsler monitoring, and injection protocols.

Dry ARMD is the most common form (85-90% of cases), characterized by the slow thinning of the macula and Drusen buildup. Wet ARMD is more aggressive and occurs when leaky blood vessels grow under the retina, causing rapid central vision loss. Wet ARMD always begins as Dry ARMD.

There is currently no cure to reverse ARMD damage, but it can be managed. Dry ARMD is managed with AREDS2 vitamins and UV protection. Wet ARMD is managed with periodic injections to dry up the leakage and prevent further scarring.

An Amsler Grid is a simple diagnostic tool consisting of horizontal and vertical lines. By checking it daily, patients can spot wavy lines or blind spots early. This "home test" is the most effective way to detect the transition from Dry to Wet ARMD immediately.

No. We apply powerful topical anesthetic drops and ensure the eye is completely numb. Most patients describe the sensation as a quick, mild pressure. The entire procedure takes only a few minutes in a specialized injection suite.

ARMD typically only affects central vision. While it can make reading and facial recognition impossible without treatment, your peripheral (side) vision almost always remains functional, allowing for continued navigation and spatial awareness.