senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(713) 777-2020

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 Eye Center of Houston 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 Eye Center of Houston 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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- Sep. 21, 2024
Awesome service 100%
- Sep. 10, 2024
(Translated by Google) Good medical service, they accept Medicaid!! (Original) Buen servicio médic... o, aceptan Medicaid!!
- Sep. 08, 2024
Very welcoming and very good with kids
- Jun. 17, 2024
The services provided was prompt and the staff were respectful and friendly. My doctor was a good li... stener and explained every procedure to me patiently.
- Jun. 14, 2024
Best environment Best staff and employees are so kind and friendly 😊
- Jun. 06, 2024
Love this place. Girls were so helpful and nice. They helped give opinion on glasses. Helped me to t... heir fullest with my insurance. Explained things thoroughly. No complaints. Such a good place. Love this eye care center. Even the guy was nice.
- May. 26, 2024
The Best
- Apr. 19, 2024
Very good atmosphere and doctors love it
- Apr. 15, 2024
(Translated by Google) Very, very good, recommended for all ages. My experience, that of my children... and grandson, was great. (Original) Muy pero muy buena recomendado para todas las edades. Mi experiencia ,la de mis hijos y nieto fue estupenda.
- Mar. 21, 2024
Exceptional service and excellent customer care.
- Mar. 20, 2024
The best place I recommend it to anyone having eyes problems.
- Mar. 12, 2024
Best eye clinic. Dr. Richard is kind and fast and furious to diagnose the problem and answer the que... stions.
- Mar. 03, 2024
I arrived with an appointment and they were really quick , well in general they took me in the next ... day for calling in to get my daughter’s eyes looked at and they treated her amazing! Thank you guys for doing that! Now my daughter can get better with her vision !!
- Feb. 11, 2024
Wait was a bit lengthy but Drs were very thorough 💪🏻
- Feb. 06, 2024
Had a good experience, it was thorough , staff was friendly.
- Jan. 28, 2024
I really like the professionalism that's exhibited Everytime I go or take my kids. I also like the ... immediate promptness upon entering the establishment to first acknowledge me and then assist me. Not to mention the many products they offer to help with whatever issues you're having with your eyes. I would definitely recommend this business to anyone that's looking for a enjoyable and professional eye center.
- Jan. 25, 2024
Excellent place, since the check in through all process we received a professional and kind service ... and glasses were ready super fast, highly recommended. 😀
- Jan. 19, 2024
(Translated by Google) Excellent service and the lenses arrive in less than a week. (Original) Exce... lente servicio y los lentes llegan a menos de la semana.
- Jan. 16, 2024
We Always have a great experience with the team!
- Dec. 27, 2023
It was a very wow experience. No delay

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Westside

Our optometry practice in Westside

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

(713) 777-2020