What is a major characteristic of wet macular degeneration?

Wet macular degeneration is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina. These new blood vessels can leak fluid and blood, leading to rapid damage to the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. One of the most notable symptoms of this condition is a sudden loss of central vision, which can significantly affect a person's ability to read, recognize faces, or perform tasks that require fine detail. This highlights the acute nature of vision loss associated with wet macular degeneration, contrasting with other forms of vision loss that might occur more gradually.

Understanding this feature is crucial for recognizing wet macular degeneration early, as prompt treatment can sometimes mitigate further vision loss and improve outcomes.