senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(615) 373-9992

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 Conn Vision 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 Conn Vision 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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Wonderful helpful staff paired with excellent optometrists.
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Timely, good location and great staff - special shoutout to Dawn for all her help!
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I was treated so kindly and the staff was very professional?
- Sep. 09, 2023
Have been going to them for about 5 years. Have consistently received the best services.
- Sep. 04, 2023
Very attentive to my sons and I. Great experience!
- Aug. 23, 2023
Dr. is great and Chris is always so helpful! Staff is so nice! I love coming to my doctor appointme... nts!
- Jun. 05, 2023
Highly recommend! Dr Krieg is professional yet friendly, knowledgeable and offers alternatives they ... best suit your eye situation and care.
- May. 22, 2023
Excellent and attentive care and service from beginning to end.
- Apr. 11, 2023
This place is amazing! The customer service is out of this world.
- Mar. 05, 2023
Best visit ever!!! I was pleased with the care I received. I will refer any and everyone to Conn Vi... sion.
- Jan. 31, 2023
Great first experience. Easy computer paperwork. Swift testing. Happy with Dr. Krieg and her friendl... y, super helpful staff. Got my lenses ordered for my existing frames and will update this review on delivery of the new RX.
- Jan. 19, 2023
Dr. Krieg took Dr. Conn's place after he retired, and I was very fond of him, but she fid a thorough... and excellent eye examination. I am just as pleased as ever with the friendly, professional and expert eye services. The staff on that office is awesome too, and they price- match on my contact lenses! Highly recommend!
- Dec. 01, 2022
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- Aug. 29, 2022
Best vision appointment I’ve ever had! Staff was super friendly and nice, communication was clear,... and there was little to no wait.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Brentwood

Our optometry practice in Brentwood

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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(615) 373-9992