Which statement best defines Wet AMD?

Which statement best defines Wet AMD?

• A. It only affects peripheral vision
• B. Drusen above Bruch's membrane
• C. The macula is unaffected
• D. Abnormal choroidal vessels grow under the macula and leak fluid

Answer: (D)

Wet AMD is defined by the growth of abnormal choroidal vessels under the macula that leak fluid (and sometimes blood). This choroidal neovascularization breaches Bruch’s membrane and leads to fluid accumulation and rapid central vision loss, which is why the macula—responsible for sharp central vision—is affected. Drusen are a feature of dry AMD, consisting of deposits between the RPE and Bruch’s membrane, not the CNV that defines wet AMD. Therefore, the statement that describes abnormal vessels growing under the macula with leakage best captures what wet AMD is.

Wet AMD is defined by the growth of abnormal choroidal vessels under the macula that leak fluid (and sometimes blood). This choroidal neovascularization breaches Bruch’s membrane and leads to fluid accumulation and rapid central vision loss, which is why the macula—responsible for sharp central vision—is affected. Drusen are a feature of dry AMD, consisting of deposits between the RPE and Bruch’s membrane, not the CNV that defines wet AMD. Therefore, the statement that describes abnormal vessels growing under the macula with leakage best captures what wet AMD is.