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Types Of ARMD
2. Wet
In some instances of RPE degeneration, Bruch's membrane may weaken to a point where a blood vessel underneath the RPE is able to grow through. This is similar to a crack developing in a sidewalk where a weed is able to grow through. When a blood vessel is growing through the RPE, the type of ARMD is called the wet (exudative) form. Technically, the blood vessel is called a choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM), as the blood vessel comes from an area called the choroid and neovascular refers to new blood vessel. It is called a membrane because in fact many blood vessels are involved, forming a sheet or mass of vessels. Unlike the normal vessels present in the eye, these new blood vessels are weak and are prone to leak and break. This allows blood to escape from the vessel into the surrounding tissue, creating an elevation. This change to the delicate architecture of the tissues causes further visual loss. Furthermore, when the blood leaks, scar tissue will form, creating a permanent destruction of the architecture, with resulting permanent loss of vision. Approximately 10% of all ARMD patients have this wet form.
Picture #5 Wet Fundus
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Picture #6 Wet Arch
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Both forms can occur at the same time. Each form produces its own symptoms and treatments.
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