senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(972) 775-8000

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 Family Eye Clinic 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 Family Eye Clinic 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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890 Reviews
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- Nov. 25, 2024
All were very knowledgeable and kind
- Nov. 23, 2024
Love this office. Alway a great experience!
- Nov. 19, 2024
It was so good I can’t even put it into words. Professional and kind do come to mind.
- Nov. 13, 2024
Very friendly and professional staff - everything I asked was explained very well and laid out in th... e open. Great service!
- Nov. 09, 2024
Very friendly helpful staff, great frame selection.
- Nov. 04, 2024
Always a great experience. I already received my glasses, and they are perfect!
- Nov. 01, 2024
Clean establishment, courteous staff and outstanding professionalism.
- Oct. 13, 2024
Great experience. This was my first time here and the service was great. Great options to choose fro... m.
- Sep. 17, 2024
Good and polite and helped what needed
- Sep. 16, 2024
Everyone there was friendly and nice. They all did their job well. And when I wasn't completely sati... sfied with the glasses I purchased, they returned with no hassle.
- Sep. 16, 2024
The young lady that helped me was very kind and considerate..
- Sep. 14, 2024
First time to see Dr. Pollard and she was great along with her staff. Highly recommend!!
- Aug. 28, 2024
Great service very thorough
- Aug. 15, 2024
Compassionate and kind front office staff is the reason I’m a lifelong patient!!!! They’ll move ... mountains for their patients!!! Compassionate Jessica offered to stay late just so I could pick up trial contacts until my order came in. They truly make their patients feel like family and certainly a VIP! Thank you for all you do!
- Aug. 09, 2024
Professional and friendly staff. I was impressed with the thoroughness of the medical exam and Dr B... ullard’s answers to my questions and concerns. I definitely recommend this medical practice.
- Aug. 04, 2024
This is a great place for eye exams including non-routine exams. Great staff!
- Aug. 01, 2024
My son got his eye exam in a timely manner and was able to get a referral for insurance purposes
- Jun. 27, 2024
Love this place ,I drove a hour just for my eye care needs !!!!
- May. 11, 2024
Dr. Nguyen is very knowledgeable and very kind! Very nice office as well...We will be back!
- Apr. 25, 2024
Great experience. The staff were super friendly. I was seen on time. The processes were all explaine... d to me. The Dr. explained my screening and options very well. He was easy to talk to and seemed very patient. I rarely write reviews but Family Eye Clinic in Midlothian earned it! Thanks so much.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Midlothian

Our optometry practice in Midlothian

Photograph of Heath Bullard
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(972) 775-8000