Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Symptoms

Symptoms of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) include blurry vision, loss of central vision, and seeing straight shapes as wavy. However, the exact symptoms of wet AMD can vary per person and depending on the stage. Wet AMD is an eye disease that occurs when new, atypical blood vessels in the eye leak proteins and lipids. These blood vessels can be fragile and may lead to bleeding and scarring, causing blurry vision.

Not everyone will experience the same symptoms of wet AMD or experience them at the same stage of progression.

If you notice new or persistent vision symptoms, contact an eye doctor as soon as possible.

Read more about early and advanced wet AMD symptoms, including how they differ from dry AMD, and when to talk with a doctor.

AMD can affect one or both eyes. Symptoms occur in the central vision, which is what you see when you look straight ahead.

Wet AMD symptoms may include:

• Blurry vision: Your vision may appear fuzzy or you may have difficulty seeing detail.
• Visual distortions: AMD may cause optical distortions, such as waves, ripples, or irregularities in shape. For example, straight lines may appear crooked.
• Difficulty perceiving size: Also known as micropsia, this may cause objects to appear smaller than they are.
• Blank spots: You may have blank spots or see dark patches in your field of vision.
• Difficulty seeing in the dark: Age-related macular degeneration may impair Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source your ability to see in the dark.
• Impaired color vision: With wet AMD, you may see colors less brightly or have difficulty telling the difference between color tones.

Read more about vision loss, including its symptoms, treatment, and prevention.

Wet AMD symptoms may also:

• affect Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source the near vision more often — what you see close to you
• worsen Trusted Source National Eye Institute Governmental authority Go to source over time
• develop slowly or quickly
• be painless

However, many people don’t experience Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source noticeable symptoms for a long time or notice only vague visual changes. Symptoms become more obvious once the condition has progressed.

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You may be able to notice or monitor symptoms at home using an Amsler grid test.

Learn more about Amsler grid tests, including how to use it.

With wet AMD, you may experience the same symptoms as in the early stages, but they may have worsened Trusted Source National Eye Institute Governmental authority Go to source . For example, areas of blurry vision may get bigger.

Also, you might experience symptoms for the first time if you have not previously had noticeable symptoms.

Without treatment, advanced wet AMD can lead to central or partial vision loss, leaving you with only peripheral or side vision.

This may make daily activities and functions more difficult, such as:

• reading
• driving
• doing close-up tasks like cooking
• seeing faces

Vision loss can also cause hallucinations.

The two primary Trusted Source National Eye Institute Governmental authority Go to source types of AMD are wet and dry.

Wet AMD is when new blood vessels form in the eye and leak. These blood vessels can be fragile and may lead to bleeding and scarring, affecting your vision.

Dry AMD occurs when the macula becomes thinner over time. The macula is a part of the retina at the back of the eye that allows you to see what’s in front of you.

See more about wet vs. dry AMD.

Wet and dry AMD have many of the same symptoms:

• visual distortions
• blurry vision
• impaired color vision

Advanced dry AMD cannot be cured or stopped, but treatment can reduce vision loss.

Read more about the treatment options and outlook for wet AMD.

Contact a doctor as soon as possible if you have new or persistent symptoms affecting your vision or eyes.

Also talk with your doctor promptly if you are receiving treatment for wet AMD or another eye condition and notice new or worsening symptoms.

Some eye or vision symptoms are medical emergencies. Call 911 or your local emergency services for any of the following symptoms:

• eye injury
• sudden or severe vision symptoms, such as sudden vision loss
• severe eye pain
• eye bleeding

Learn more about diagnosing macular degeneration.

Wet AMD symptoms can cause blurry, wavy, distorted vision and blank spots. Other symptoms include difficulty seeing at night, seeing color or perceiving items to be smaller than they are.

Symptoms can develop slowly or quickly. Eventual loss of central vision is possible.

Not everyone experiences noticeable symptoms during the early stages of wet AMD. Regular eye checkups according to your doctor’s recommendations are beneficial.

Also talk with a doctor as soon as possible if you notice new or persistent symptoms affecting your eyes or vision.