senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(573) 374-5222

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 Eyecare - Laurie 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 Eyecare - Laurie 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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118 Reviews
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- Feb. 24, 2024
Good choices, as well as great staff!
- May. 09, 2023
Walked in for help with glasses from a different store that didn't fit correctly and was quickly hel... ped!
- Feb. 16, 2023
Very friendly and attentive team!! Have been a patient for many years. Always a great experience!
- Jan. 20, 2023
My husband and I have visited many many eyecare places and Laurie Family Eyecare was the tops. Exam... was professional and accurate. The team of technicians and staff were incredibly helpful and was very accurate with our selections. Prices were so much lower then we have paid elsewhere. When we went to pickup our purchases they were even better then we could have imagined. Doctor Brad is kind, and so professional.
- Jan. 16, 2023
Excellent Drs, friendly staff, and they are quick to help if there is an emergency. I have been taki... ng my children here their whole lives.
- Dec. 31, 2022
Dr Brad was courteous, efficient and knowledgeable! His staff was great!
- Dec. 03, 2022
I've been coming here for nearly 10 years now. Wonderful service, caring staff and exceptional qua... lity!!
- Oct. 19, 2022
I've been seeing Dr. Groves (Masters) since 2009. She is the most informed, up-to-date, and caring ... optometrist I have ever known.
- Oct. 18, 2022
Everyone is so nice there
- Oct. 07, 2022
Highly recommended for eye exam and eye care
- Sep. 28, 2021
So friendly and helpful!!
- Aug. 18, 2021
a couple of staff that work the desk are somewhat pushy and presumptuous. but once you get passed th... em, the doctor is super friendly, helpful, and professional
- Jun. 15, 2021
Great staff. Super patient with my son. Did a great job explaining things.
- Jun. 12, 2021
Everyone did a great job. Highly recommend Laurie family Eyecare for your vision needs
- May. 02, 2021
Friendly, accurate and fair! Will definitely go back.
- Apr. 15, 2021
I love the ppl here they are professional friendly and know their business. I actually took my MIL t... here.
- Mar. 02, 2021
Quick, efficient, and very helpful when time to choose frames. My kids also love the doctors and sta... ff here!
- Feb. 26, 2021
I HAVE BEEN WITH FAMILY EYE CARE FOR MANY, MANY YEARS AND WOULD NOT GO ANY PLACE ELSE. DOCTOR EVELAN... D AND HIS STAFF KNOW MY VISION HISTORY AND THEY WORK VERY HARD TO KEEP MY VISION THE BEST IT CAN BE. THEY MADE ME FEEL SAFE IN A DIFFICULT TIME, (ie COVID) AND WERE VERY CAREFUL ABOT KEEPING THE WHOLE OFFICE AS CLEAN AND SANITARY AS POSIBLE. I LIKE THEM AND MORESO TRUST THEM WITH MY SIGHT. THANK YOU ALL FOR HOW YOU HAVE ALWAYS TREATED ME. KUDOS
- Dec. 19, 2020
Make it easy to get checked, come and go and buy new contacts.
- Sep. 22, 2020
No long wait, friendly staff and doctor. Good selection of frames.

View All 118 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Laurie

Our optometry practice in Laurie

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Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(573) 374-5222