Macular Degeneration in Two FormsMacular degeneration is an eye disease that gradually causes a person to lose their central vision. Approximately 1.75 million Americans suffer from vision loss associated with the disease (All About Vision 1). The leading cause of blindness in people over 60, macular degeneration, comes in two types (National Eye Institute 1). The wet and dry versions of the disease have similarities in terms of risk factors, but differ in terms of symptoms and treatments. Although the causes of each type of macular degeneration are different, the risk factors are essentially the same. The wet form of the disease is caused by small blood vessels growing under the retina. Blood vessels leak blood and fluid and retinal cells die, leading to permanent damage and rapid vision loss. Only about ten percent of people with macular degeneration suffer from this more advanced form. The most common dry form occurs when retinal cells slowly break down. Usually, vision loss is not as severe in the dry form as in the wet form, although the dry form can progress with gradual cell breakdown that leads to severe vision loss (All About Vision 1) . Risk factors for each form are age (over 60), smoking, obesity, race (caucasian), family history, high blood pressure, lighter eye color and gender (female). Side effects of prescription medications can also pose a threat (All About Vision 3). The symptoms of the two types of disease differ, except for one, none of which are painful. Normally, the first symptom of the wet form is the appearance of straight wavy lines. Additionally, a blind spot may occur and lead to loss of central vision. The wet form has two categories: Occult and Classic (All about Vision 2). The Occult version is when it is in the middle of the paper stages. The National Eye Institute is currently conducting studies including possible healthy cell transplants and certain anti-inflammatory drugs (National Eye Institute 7). Macular degeneration exists in two forms: wet and dry. The lesser of two evils does not prevail. The wet form has treatments hoping to slow progression, but results in faster and more severe vision loss. The dry form is generally slower to reach more severe levels of vision loss, but there are no FDA-approved treatments. One can only imagine the devastation caused by this disease, which causes someone to lose their sight after 60 years of vision. Works Cited Haddrill, Marilyn. Slonim, Charles, MD “Age-related macular degeneration.” All about vision June 23, 2011Web. October 2, 2011National Eye Institute.gov September 2009Web. October 2. 2011