Macular degeneration in two formsMacular degeneration is an eye disease that gradually causes loss of 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 the age of 60, macular degeneration, exists in two types (National Eye Institute 1). Both the wet and dry versions of the disease have similarities in risk factors, but differ in 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, causing permanent damage and rapid vision loss. Only about 10% of people with macular degeneration suffer from this more advanced form. The most common dry form occurs when cells in the retina slowly break down. Vision loss in the dry form is usually not as severe as in the wet form, although the dry form may progress with gradual degradation of cells causing severe vision loss (All About Vision 1). Risk factors for each form are age (over 60 years), smoking, obesity, race (Caucasian), family history, hypertension, lighter eye color, and sex (female). Side effects from prescription drugs can also pose a threat (All About Vision 3). The symptoms of both types of the disease differ, except for one, neither of them is painful. Normally, the first symptom of the wet shape is that straight lines appear wavy. Additionally, a blind spot may occur which could cause loss of central vision. The wet form has two categories; Occult and classic (All About Vision 2). The occult version is when the... central phases of the card......ed. The National Eye Institute is currently conducting studies that include possible transplants of healthy cells and some 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 causes more rapid and severe vision loss. The dry form is usually slower to reach more severe levels of vision loss, but there is no FDA-approved treatment. One can only imagine the devastation caused by this disease, which takes away someone's sight after 60 years of vision. Works Cited Haddrill, Marilyn. Slonim, Charles, M.D. "Age-Related Macular Degeneration." All about vision June 23, 2011Web. October 2, 2011National Eye Institute.gov September 2009Web. October 2. 2011