What factor increases the risk of developing wet AMD after 5 years in an individual with existing wet AMD?

The presence of hypertension is a significant risk factor for the progression of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in individuals already diagnosed with the condition. Hypertension is known to contribute to the overall health of the retina and influence vascular changes that can exacerbate macular degeneration. Elevated blood pressure can disrupt the retinal vascular system and increase the likelihood of choroidal neovascularization, a hallmark of wet AMD.

This understanding is rooted in the relationship between systemic health and ocular conditions. Individuals with high blood pressure may experience a greater risk of further vascular complications that can lead to an increase in the severity of wet AMD over time. Recognizing the impact of systemic conditions like hypertension on ocular diseases is crucial for patient management and can guide monitoring and treatment strategies.

In contrast, factors like the presence of drusen (both nil or larger sizes), or normal visual acuity do not play as significant a role in predicting the progression of wet AMD in the same way hypertension does. Drusen are primarily indicators of dry AMD and do not inherently increase the risk of progression to wet AMD. Likewise, normal visual acuity can exist even in the presence of macular damage and does not correlate with the likelihood of worsening AMD.