Less common than the dry form, wet AMD accounts for approximately 10% of all age related macular degeneration. It results from small fragile blood vessels (sub-retinal neovascularisation) growing into the retina from the underlying choroid. These vessels are prone to bleed which may result in macular scarring.
Unlike dry AMD which gradually impairs central vision, wet AMD often results in a more rapid central blurring or distorted vision (metamorphopsia). Typically the vision deteriorates over a matter of weeks and months (rarely hours or days). Patients presenting with possible wet AMD should therefore be regarded as being urgent and seen within one to two weeks.