senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(512) 899-2020

What Is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration, also called AMD or age-related macular degeneration, occurs when the macula — the central portion of the retina — begins to wear down, causing central vision loss.

People who suffer from AMD tend to lose their “straight ahead” vision, making it difficult to read, drive, and recognize faces. 

Total vision loss is unlikely, as there's typically enough peripheral vision to allow for other activities of daily life. 

Man with macular degeneration


Types of Macular Degeneration:

macular degeneration types

  • Dry AMD: small deposits called drusen damage retinal nerve cells and reduce vision
  • Wet AMD: new blood vessels form that leak and release fluid that harms the macula. This is a more severe form of AMD that can more quickly cause vision loss.

Don’t Let AMD Rob You of Your Sight

An estimated 196 million people are living with macular degeneration worldwide. Although those affected by it rarely lose all their vision, the vast majority suffer from some degree of vision loss. 

While there is currently no cure for AMD, there are certain treatments that can slow its progression — and low vision aids that can increase independent functioning.

If you think you're at risk or are experiencing symptoms, contact EyeCare Specialties - South Towne today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Risk Factors for AMD

  • Aged 50+

    The onset of AMD usually happens over the age of 50 and increases substantially with time. For instance, a 2% risk at age 55 can turn into a 30% risk by age 75.

  • Lifestyle factors

    Smoking or eating a diet high in saturated fat can increase your risk of AMD. Furthermore, these habits increase the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease–two additional risk factors for AMD.

  • Obesity

    Research shows that people with a BMI of over 30 double their chances of developing AMD.

  • Family History

    If you have a close relative with AMD, you have a higher risk of developing this eye condition.


How to Stop the Progression of Macular Degeneration

While there isn’t yet a cure for AMD or an effective way of reversing vision loss that has already occurred, you can take certain steps and adopt new habits to slow the progression of the disease.

Furthermore, certain treatments can slow its progression and low vision aids that can increase independent functioning.

Talk to us about how you can slow the progression of the disease and avoid vision loss by contacting EyeCare Specialties - South Towne today. 

Photograph


Macular Degeneration FAQs

What are the first signs of AMD?

You may have AMD and not know it. Typically, symptoms may not develop until the advanced stage of the eye disease.

First signs of AMD may include: 

  • Blurred vision
  • Blind spots or dark spots
  • Straight lines appearing distorted or wavy
  • Faded colors 

 For early detection and better outcomes, it's important to undergo regular eye exams at our eye clinic, especially if you have a family history of AMD or other risk factors. 

How common is macular degeneration?

Statistics indicate that 8.7% of the world population has macular degeneration. The rate of AMD is expected to increase from 196 million in 2022 to 288 million by 2040.

What is the best treatment for macular degeneration?

Currently, the most common treatment for wet AMD is the injection of medications called anti-VEGF agents. High levels of VEGF in the eye increase the formation of abnormal blood vessels that cause much of the damage in wet AMD.

Patient Reviews
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278 Reviews
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- Sep. 02, 2024
I love this place! They have 5 stars for a reason!!!!
- Aug. 29, 2024
I highly recommend Stephanie Colorado O.D. My exam was very thorough. All my questions were answered... and I never felt rushed. I highly recommend.
- Aug. 18, 2024
Thorough, listens well, answered all of my questions, friendly
- May. 02, 2024
(Translated by Google) Dr. Stephanie has an excellent medical team and an extraordinary, very friend... ly staff… (Original) La Dra. Stephanie tiene un excelente equipo médico y un extraordinario personal de trabajo muy amables…
- Apr. 27, 2024
Great team, great care Dr Colorado explains her plan and reasons for follow up. Thank you all.
- Feb. 27, 2024
Dr. Colorado takes the time to explain whatever's going on with my eyes and answers questions. In ad... dition, it's easy to get an appointment at this office.
- Feb. 04, 2024
Despite the outrageous prices of eyewear across the board at most providers, The team was really awe... some, communicated very well and were open and honest and not at all pushy when it came time to purchase frames and lenses. Very good team!
- Jan. 17, 2024
All of the doctors at EyeCare Specialties are excellent. Dr Patel, in particular is extremely knowl... edgeable and personal. I have an eye disease with corneal transplants and Dr Patel was recommended and now I wouldn't consider another eye doctor. He is so thorough and experienced. It turns out that he worked with the same doctors in Houston who performed my transplants. It's been my pleasure to develop a great relationship with Dr Patel and all the staff at EyeCare Specialties. Their customer service is top notch and they take care to know who you are. I've recommended EyeCare Specialties to family and friends and I know you will be in great hands.
- Dec. 15, 2023
The professionals at EyeCare are exactly that. They are all very kind and knowledgeable at what they... do. It was a relaxing and positive experience, and I highly recommend EyeCare. Thank you so much for improving not only my eyesight, but also improving my outlook on life. : )
- Dec. 12, 2023
Dr. Stephanie Colorado is very nice, friendly and knowledgeable and always explains everything very ... clearly. I highly recommend her.
- Dec. 07, 2023
Best place to get your eyes checked
- Oct. 19, 2023
Dr. Manish Patel did such an amazing job with my LASIK that my next eye appointment was 8 years late... r. (Obviously he would have preferred I return earlier.) I can't say enough positive things about Dr. Patel - he's everything one wants in an eye care professional.
- Oct. 14, 2023
Dr. Haven is thorough and compassionate. Everyone at the practice has provided me great service in t... he years I’ve been a patient.
- Oct. 02, 2023
Great service, staff is extremely welcoming and thorough answering any questions. Would recommend to... anyone!
- Oct. 02, 2023
Highly recommended
- Sep. 03, 2023
Dr. Patel is awesome. As friendly as he is attentive and professional. It’s a little drive for me,... but I wouldn’t go anywhere else.
- Aug. 18, 2023
Very satisfied with the service in this clinic. All the staff from the reception to the doctor were ... very kind and professional. It's not the first time we've been serving in this clinic. We are very satisfied and will definitely continue to cooperate. We recommend that all our friends go to this clinic.
- Jul. 13, 2023
Lovely people.
- Jun. 14, 2023
Great experience and awesome people
- May. 22, 2023
I have been going to EyeCare Specialties since I was a kid and the service has always been beyond am... azing. It’s rare to find a clinic with such knowledgeable, friendly, and professional staff. Each Optometrist knows what they are doing from annual visits to healing scratched corneas. The Front staff is also incredibly welcoming and the second you walk in you know you are being taken care of. Highly recommend these folks for all your eye needs!!!

View All 278 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Oak Hill

Our optometry practice in Oak Hill

Photograph of Jill  Haven
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

Don’t let AMD stop you from doing the things you love.

(512) 899-2020