Md

[Suejoyce]

Hi can anyone tell me does dry md always turn wet x

[Beldie]

I'm afraid I don't know the answer but suggest that you might like to get in touch with the Macular Society, which is a fount of knowledge and very helpful! Googling it should bring up the phone number. What I do know is that the dry version seems to take longer to worsen than the wet....so fingers crossed.

[Suejoyce in reply to Beldie]

Ty I will do

[rosyG]

No it doesn't- the helpline will give you the percentage figures - can't remember if it's 10 percent or so??

[Ayayay80]

Hello Suejoyce

Like rosyG already said, no, dry AMD may never turn into wet. It is said that only about 10% of people with dry AMD will develop wet, although if one eye has turned to wet the chances are that the other will follow suit, but it could be years before that happens. It varies very much from person to person and also on numerous underlying eye conditions that bring on the wet type. Do check your eyes with the amsler grid on a regular basis. If any dark patches appear, or any wavy lines, go back to your optician or GP and ask for a referal, but if you notice any drastic changes go straight to A&E. It is better to be save than sorry. But please, do not distress yourself; it may never happen.

Good luck x

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear Suejoyce,

Dry AMD is related to the ageing process and is more common in individuals over the age of 55 years. The deterioration is generally relatively slow and usually over a period of months and years. However, how fast and how far the condition deteriorates is variable between individuals. There is currently no treatment for it, however, we talk about the importance of various lifestyle considerations which can hopefully have a positive impact on eye health and possibly potentially slow down the deterioration a little.

10-15% of people with the dry type go on to develop wet AMD in the same eye. Therefore it is important that if an individual does notice any sudden eye changes, that they act rapidly and go to the optometrist so that they can check behind their eyes. Alternately, they can attend the emergency eye clinic usually located within the hospital. If the optometrist identifies possible wet AMD, then the Royal College of Ophthalmology guidelines indicate that they must do a fast track referral on the day of the appointment, via fax or email, straight through to the eye clinic, so that the individual can be seen and treated by 2 weeks. This therefore indicates the urgency of the situation. Treatment is usually via injection.

I hope that this addresses your query.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any further help.

The Macular Society helpline is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.

Alternately, you can contact us via:

[e-mail]

Kind regards,