Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness

Generally, there are two forms of macular degeneration. The first, known as "dry," is a milder, more common form of the disease. Ninety percent of those who have macular degeneration have this "dry" kind and will not experience any great changes in their vision.

The 10 percent who do not have the "dry" have a kind known as neovascular. This type is characterized by a leakage of fluid behind the retina. In some cases, bleeding and the traction of a blood clot in the vitreous body may pull the retina into the vitreous cavity. This is known as retinal detachment and if it is not diagnosed and treated very early, blindness will result.