senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(618) 654-9999

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 Highland Family EyeCare 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 Highland Family EyeCare 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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134 Reviews
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- Oct. 05, 2024
Everyone was extremely thorough and very pleasant. Highly recommend.
- Sep. 27, 2024
I felt like I was being hear.
- Aug. 28, 2024
I don’t normally leave reviews but they deserve a great one! I got my appointment day wrong and th... ey managed to get me in. The staff was so kind and understanding. The new doctor I saw was amazing. Very friendly and made things quick and simple. Highly recommend!
- Aug. 25, 2024
Great service and product.
- Jul. 26, 2024
Best care anywhere!
- Jul. 03, 2024
Very professional and very personable at the same time!
- Jun. 14, 2024
Great atmosphere with all very respectful staff!
- May. 22, 2024
My autistic adult son was seen for his yearly exam and dr. & staff provided nothing short of amazing... service to him; from explaining various parts of his visit to helping him pick out glasses. They were kind & patient from start to finish =)
- Jan. 20, 2024
Nice place
- Jan. 19, 2024
I was very pleased with my care and friendliness I received. The Doctor was excellent.
- Nov. 04, 2023
Great doctor and stuff. Very caring and helpful.
- Oct. 05, 2023
The staff is so friendly & helpful! That is why we have been coming here since 1996!
- Jul. 21, 2023
Dr Michael Jones has been my dr since my cataract surgery 7 years ago. He is thorough, snd spends as... much time as needed answering questions and providing information. He is the best!!
- May. 20, 2023
Dr. Jones is fantastic. Very personable and knowledgeable.
- Apr. 23, 2023
Always friendly and helpful
- Apr. 23, 2023
I came in with my eye hurting me and really bothering me. Dr. Kleinhoffer and his team squeezed me i... n today. Everyone was pleasant from the upfront staff to Dr. Kleinhoffer. I would refer anyone here. A big thank you to the staff and Dr. Kleinhoffer!
- Apr. 11, 2023
I have been seeing Dr. Michael Jones for close to 10 years. He is a very compassionate and understa... nding doctor and shows great concern for his patients!
- Mar. 31, 2023
Very happy with the service. Everyone is very knowledgeable.
- Mar. 22, 2023
Dr. Kleinhoffer is extremely knowledgeable and friendly. He explains things in a way that's easy for... me to understand. His staff are always very friendly and helpful. We love Kleinhoffer Family Eyecare!
- Feb. 09, 2023
Very thorough eye exam. Very pleasant employees. Dr. Is very professional.

View All 134 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Highland

Our optometry practice in Highland

Photograph of Natalie  Hutchison
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(618) 654-9999