Fast Five Quiz: Exudative (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

F. Ryan Prall, MD

Disclosures

March 31, 2022

Exudative (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a subretinal ocular disease that can lead to visual impairment. Without treatment it causes rapid, progressive loss of central vision and legal blindness. In developed countries, exudative AMD is the leading cause of irreversible blindness.

Nonexudative (dry) AMD is the most common eye disorder in patients over the age of 50 years. Although the majority of cases of AMD are nonexudative, approximately 20% eventually progress to the exudative form. Considering that aging is the greatest risk factor for AMD, its prevalence in the United States is expected to increase to 22 million by 2050, and its global prevalence is expected to increase to 288 million by 2040. However, the use of anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies and vitamin therapies is predicted to mitigate the condition's impact.

After presentation with usually painless visual disturbance, diagnosis of wet AMD requires several established imaging techniques. Drug treatments, principally using antiangiogenic drugs, and interventions using lasers or surgery can help slow the progression of wet AMD.

How much do you know about the presentation, risk factors, diagnosis, and management of wet AMD? Test your knowledge with this quick quiz.

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