senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(325) 677-6225

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 Vision Associates 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 Vision Associates 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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370 Reviews
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- Dec. 02, 2024
Truly exceptional staff, doctors, and product selection.
- Nov. 29, 2024
Very professional and helpful. Worked at finding just the right contacts and eyewear.
- Nov. 28, 2024
Dr.Ezzell and entire staff are friendly, efficient and knowledgeable.My visits are always pleasant.T... hank you.
- Nov. 27, 2024
Friendly staff and doctors and also helpful .
- Nov. 24, 2024
Highly recommend. Fast in fast out. Staff and Amanda Boneau OD was very pleasant. Helped me underst... and on what was going on and answered all my questions.
- Nov. 13, 2024
Dr Boneau was able to help this old timer see more clearly than I even thought was possible!! She re... ally knows what she’s doing!! If you need some new spectacles make sure you give her a visit.
- Nov. 09, 2024
A wonderful experience and a wonderful staff. Dr. Preston is first rate and very thorough. I have ... been going to Dr. Preston for years and I am always pleased with my experience. She bent over backwards to help me with an urgent issue and scheduled me quickly for an appointment. My eye is 100% better and I appreciate the staff and Dr. Preston’s kindness.
- Oct. 30, 2024
Love Dr Preston! So friendly and professional
- Oct. 28, 2024
She is very trustworhy. I am very happy with her care.
- Oct. 08, 2024
I have been a patient of Dr. Steven Ezzell for many years now and he is a true professional. Abilen... e Family Vision Associates also attends to my wife and daughters vision needs. We have at all times received excellent care. Customer service is also fast and friendly. New changes have been made since my last visit, which took me off guard, but nothing I see in a negative way. Dr. Ezzell accomplished his mission as always in his motivated glad you’re here way. Thanks for the job you do.
- Sep. 27, 2024
I've gone to Dr Preston for over 20 years because of the kind, caring and prompt service she and her... staff offer. Definitely recommend Family Vision Associates.
- Sep. 16, 2024
Staff is always very friendly and professional. Dr. Ezzell takes great care of me and my family.
- Sep. 09, 2024
My family has been going to family vision Associates for over 25 years. Every member of the staff i... s always friendly and professional, as well as very helpful. I would strongly recommend family vision Associates to any family or friend.
- Sep. 05, 2024
Great experience, personable, friendly, knowledgeable. Thank you Dr. Ezzel.
- Aug. 26, 2024
Great staff! Everyone was super friendly! Dr. Ezzell was great and I am now wearing contacts (first ... time in 4 years).
- Aug. 22, 2024
Always a great experience. Dr Ezell and staff are always friendly and professional!
- Aug. 21, 2024
Family Vision provides exceptional, individualized care! Everyone treats you as you are the ONLY pat... ient that is being seen that day. Thank you Dr. Ezzell and staff!!
- Aug. 21, 2024
Have really helped save my eyes from going really bad from times in the past
- Aug. 04, 2024
This team is top notch, everyone was extremely friendly and helpful. Dr.Ezell is blessed with the be... st. This was my first time going there and I know I won’t be going anywhere else! I mean why would I when I can see clearly now! Excellent !! Thank you all!!
- Jul. 26, 2024
Doctor Preston and the staff are fantastic! Doctor Preston is thorough and patient

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Original Town North

Our optometry practice in Original Town North

Photograph of Dorothy M.  Preston
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(325) 677-6225