What is an early symptom of the wet form of macular degeneration?

• A. Loss of peripheral vision
• B. Eye pain on movement
• C. Straight lines appear wavy
• D. Floaters only

Answer: (C)

Distortion of central vision is the hallmark of the wet form. When abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or bleed, the macula—where sharp vision is centered—gets swollen and its structure is warped. That warping makes straight lines look bent or wavy, which is exactly what metamorphopsia describes. So noticing that straight lines appear distorted is the clearest early sign of wet AMD.

Peripheral vision loss isn’t typical early in AMD, and eye pain on movement isn’t associated with this condition. Floaters can happen for various reasons but aren’t specific early indicators of wet AMD. If wavy lines or distorted central vision are noticed, it’s important to get evaluated promptly, since wet AMD can progress rapidly and treatment can help protect vision.