senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(281) 482-0066

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.


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 Parkwood Vision Center 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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344 Reviews
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- Nov. 04, 2024
Highly recommend this office. Wonder customer service from when you walk in till you leave. Loved my... first visit.
- Aug. 19, 2024
Nice place, great people
- Aug. 12, 2024
I would highly recommend this place, Dr. Kvinta was great! 5 stars
- Aug. 08, 2024
Friendly and professional staff! Prompt and thorough appointment. My 6 year old had her first eye ex... am and they were patient and wonderful about making her feel comfortable and answering all the curious questions she had.
- Jul. 22, 2024
Very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful staff. Highly recommend this place!!!
- Jun. 01, 2024
Good service. Lots of attention to detail. Helpful and friendly.
- May. 30, 2024
Friendly professional staff. Quick service.
- May. 26, 2024
Dr. Rader got me a better prescription and was very knowledgeable. The whole staff was so nice and w... elcoming! I recommend my sister and aunt right away!
- May. 26, 2024
Great experience, staff and Dr. were all outstanding!
- May. 10, 2024
This is my second year coming to this eye doctor and I am glad I did. Amazing doctor and staff. I or... dered my contacts and they were there within 2 days which was great!!
- Apr. 18, 2024
Staff was very friendly and helpful. Great experience!
- Apr. 14, 2024
It was a good experience from the eye exam to picking frames to getting new glasses.
- Mar. 16, 2024
Great optometrist and staff. He helped me get a better prescription which in turn improved headaches... and blurred vision in one eye for years.
- Mar. 15, 2024
Great environment, staff and Doctors!! Easy to make apts, questions are always answered, and after g... oing to several different clinics, this is where my family and I will be staying!
- Jan. 16, 2024
Techs are so friendly and knowledgeable & dr.kvinta has a great attitude. Everyone is so nice and we... lcoming, these visits are always efficient and easy.
- Jan. 08, 2024
Very friendly and helpful. Did not have to wait a long time for the appointment to finish and was a ... week to pick up glasses.
- Dec. 23, 2023
Short wait time, respectful staff, knowledgeable doctor, and no pressure to purchase exam day. Highl... y recommended
- Dec. 18, 2023
Excellet service, attetive staff and Dr. Kvita was wonderful! I want to add Dr. Dana she was excelle... nt and and I am so delighted that I found this eye center.
- Nov. 16, 2023
Very Professional and kind. Made me feel as if I've known them.
- Nov. 08, 2023
Everyone is so nice and professional. Very little wait time and my glasses were ready pretty quickly... . The office is very clean and feels like you're at home. Highly recommend.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Friendswood

Our optometry practice in Friendswood

Photograph of Tyler  Kvinta
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 8:30 am - 1:30 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(281) 482-0066