senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

Schedule Eye Exam

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 Parkwood Vision Center today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Friendswood

Our optometry practice in Friendswood

Photograph of Moshan Ali
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 By Appointment Only
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife

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 and 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 Parkwood Vision Center today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
5.0
279 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Feb. 10, 2023
Dr Pope was great and so was the staff. Very friendly and courteous.
- Nov. 24, 2022
Dr. Pope and staff are wonderful. Very thorough and helpful.
- Nov. 16, 2022
Speedy service without feeling rushed.
- Oct. 18, 2022
A wonderful office staff very polite and caring and a superior eye doctor I highly recommend this pl... ace
- Oct. 16, 2022
Christina is the best! The entire staff is welcoming and friendly as soon as you enter the doors. ... They even helped me pick out my frames that looked best on me.
- Oct. 12, 2022
This is an awesome practice. My son injured his eye, and although we were not established patients, ... Dr. Pope and his staff got us in immediately and took great care of my son. I highly recommend Parkwood Vision. Beautiful, clean office, caring staff, and a great doctor!
- Sep. 07, 2022
Friendly, courteous, communicative, knowledgeable, and professional. Overall great experience and at... mosphere!
- Aug. 17, 2022
Amazing service, great customer service and up to date technology that made my 1st experience with t... hem very pleasant!!
- Aug. 04, 2022
Dr. Pope is gentle and friendly. He takes extra time to make sure that you understand and never rush... es. He is a great choice for children that may be nervous about seeing an eye doctor. They also have cutting edge technology that surprised me! Very through exam!
- Jul. 27, 2022
Wonderful staff and caring dr
- Jul. 22, 2022
Dr Pope runs a well-organized and efficient practice. They always seem to be on time for my appoint... ment, but I never feel rushed. Great Doctor and staff!
- Jul. 17, 2022
Excellent Doctor. Staff were very kind, friendly, and helpful.
- Jul. 10, 2022
Highly recommended.
- Jul. 01, 2022
Excellent service and very knowledgeable.
- Jun. 30, 2022
Dr. Pope and his entire staff are amazing! As a first-time glasses' wearer, it was great to have a ... staff that loves their job and is there to help you understand start to finish what to expect, including picking out the glasses that look best on you. Hands down, best experience ever! My family will only go see Dr. Pope.
- Jun. 14, 2022
Very friendly staff. My appointment was on time. Everything was explained in a manner to which I cou... ld understand and my concerns were taken seriously. Dr. Pope was able to recommend different products to suit my needs. I would definitely recommend!
- Apr. 18, 2022
I had a great experience with Dr. Pope and his team. Highly recommend.
- Apr. 14, 2022
Great experience, friendly and efficient
- Mar. 30, 2022
The staff are always so happy here! I definitely enjoy visiting this Parkwood Vision Center! Prices ... are great also. Great customer service. 🙌🙌🎉
- Mar. 28, 2022
Friendly and helpful always

View All 279 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.

Schedule Eye Exam