senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

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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 EyeTX - Potranco today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Far West Side

Our optometry practice in Far West Side

Photograph of Michael  Aguilera
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • EyeMed

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 EyeTX - Potranco today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
4.6
442 Reviews
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- Oct. 12, 2023
I just did, so please just post the comments I made on the survey.
- Oct. 07, 2023
Friendly staff and great customer service.
- Sep. 18, 2023
These days it's a blessing to find nice careing people working in a place like EyeTx thank you all
- Sep. 16, 2023
Super friendly, they were able to help my 5 year stay calm and still in his eye exam thank you
- Sep. 06, 2023
Am amazing experience I really recommend it the new manager Carlos was really nice and with really g... ood customer service
- Sep. 01, 2023
The place was so cozy had a very great experiece with eye doctor and employees .The only thing was t... he back door being slammed when some employee was leaving around 9:10a.m. it was loud and scared me Otherwise experiece was great...
- Aug. 31, 2023
amazing people. probably the best optometrist clinic I've ever been to.
- Aug. 25, 2023
Great doctors and staff!
- Aug. 24, 2023
Have been with them for years. Greta with my kids and myself. Staff is always willing to work with m... e and my kids to make us happy
- Aug. 22, 2023
Staff is great! Liam & Carlos are nice & helpful & eye Dr was very nice as well.
- Aug. 19, 2023
Dr. Alvarez is so amazing! I've been wearing glasses since 3rd grade and today I have new contact th... at freed me of glasses forever. Thank a bunch. The entire staff is outstanding!! *********************
- Aug. 18, 2023
Dr. Michael Aguilera Is extremely kind, patient, thorough and professional. I highly recommend
- Jul. 31, 2023
Friendly employees and clean clinic.
- Jul. 27, 2023
Great staff! Very nice. Will be back.
- Jul. 25, 2023
My annual visit was great. The office staff greeted me and the visit was timely. Dr. Aguliara was th... orough and helpful.
- Jul. 13, 2023
Got eye exams quickly. The doctor was great. The staff were great!
- Jul. 11, 2023
Fun loving staff. Quick and super friendly staff. Dr Wendy was great tii!!
- May. 30, 2023
I have terrible anxiety, especially when it comes to doctor visits. Staff was very patient & kind, i... t made a comfortable environment.
- May. 05, 2023
100% would recommend. Staff was professional and sweet and went above and beyond what they needed to... .
- May. 04, 2023
Great, fast, and thorough service. Dori was fantastic and should get a raise!

View All 442 Reviews

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.


senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

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