senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(214) 252-1800

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 Optique 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 Optique 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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- Oct. 14, 2024
Dr. Zellers is very kind, professional and knowledgeable.
- Oct. 04, 2024
The doctor and the entire staff are amazing and so helpful ! Always smiling and super patient!
- Sep. 20, 2024
Their customer service is second to none. I highly recommend this business.
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Very profesional and clean store, was very happy with the service Rosa provided me with. She was ver... y kind and helpful when deciding what frames I wanted.
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Dr. Tyler Zellers is the best . Staff is very friendly. Been coming year for 2 years and this is the... best place to come!
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Optique is a top-notch operation with a great optometrist, an excellent selection of eyewear and a s... taff that is truly above average.
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DIVA DIVA DIVA. First-Class Customer Care and knows her frames and everything else. I am super impr... essed and will continue going to Optique based on her ability to multi-task, having taste and style, and caring about herself and the customers, all while being Super Intelligent. Well-done DIVA.
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Still come back here after moving farther away. Service is great.
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Got an appointment within a day or two of looking to book. Friendly and efficient customer service. ... Clean facilities and good selection of frames across different budget levels.
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STAFF VERY POLITE DR. TYLER,AND DR.EMILY WANG VERY PROFECIONAL
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Great Dr and staff! Post exam there is a great selection of glasses. Highly recommend
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Staff is nice no issues, quick checkup no complaints. Recommend to anyone who is busy and wants to g... et in and out fast.
- Dec. 25, 2023
Friendly and helpful staff. Nice selection of eyewear.
- Dec. 21, 2023
The entire staff was professional, and extremely friendly. I loved Dr. Wang. She is phenomenal! Grea... t experience overall, highly recommend checking this place out for your eye exam and eyeglass, contact needs.
- Dec. 20, 2023
I looked up a provider that was on my insurance plan and found Optique. From the initial call all th... e way through the eye exam and picking up my new glasses the team was absolutely fantastic.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Uptown

Our optometry practice in Uptown

Photograph of Emily  Wang
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(214) 252-1800