senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

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


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Coomer Creek

Our optometry practice in Coomer Creek

Photograph of Shannon  Lamb
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • 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 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 Garland Vision Center today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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454 Reviews
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- Sep. 06, 2023
Super friendly! Glasses I got are awesome no issues or complains.
- Aug. 03, 2023
I’ve had really good experiences here. The communication at the front desk with Katelyn is always ... very helpful and the exam process along with the checkout is always so swiftly taken care of by Sarah. The atmosphere is great!
- Jul. 03, 2023
I found Garland Vision amongst my providers after a bad experience with an eye chain care clinic. I ... was hesitant as I had two previous bad experiences but this one turned to be a nice experience. Staff is patience and kind, lenses take like a week to be made and quality of the product is great. I have four kids who wear lenses and they constantly get them broke, so good quality is something I always look for.
- Jun. 10, 2023
Great service. Very friendly and professional 👍
- Mar. 28, 2023
Great people! All of them!!
- Mar. 27, 2023
Wait time was very little. The staff were extremely nice. I'll be returning to this place.
- Mar. 01, 2023
The staff is very friendly and professional. The office itself is almost Spa like. Very relaxing a... nd calming environment.
- Feb. 05, 2023
She is very friendly doctor. Thank you for everything.
- Jan. 25, 2023
Great staff and location with prompt and attentive service!
- Dec. 19, 2022
I am so happy and feeling blessed to have appointed at the same day when I just inquired about my in... surance if they accept., staff, customer service, less waiting time to get appointed with doctors after checked in.. wonderful assistant included front desk., helps me first to get under insurance coverage.. Thanks, Sukie kattaria
- Dec. 12, 2022
The entire staff have been nothing, but welcoming, warming, helpful, and super friendly. I’ve bee... n getting eye exams since I was a child and they topped my experiences. I’ve been coming to Dr. Hernandez for a couple of years now and I won’t go to anyone else. I also felt comfortable to bring my daughter for her first eye exam. Dr. Martin was available and she made her experience wonderful! I repeat we will not go anywhere else.
- Nov. 26, 2022
Every step involved in the examination is thoroughly explained from beginning to end. Dr. Hernande... z makes sure you understand everything completely.
- Nov. 02, 2022
The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable of what is being done. Doc Lamb is good at explaining t... he different processes, procedures and diagnosis
- Oct. 21, 2022
Recommend this Vision Center, you will not be disappointed.
- Oct. 10, 2022
Awesome
- Oct. 05, 2022
They have very great service
- Oct. 03, 2022
Dr Hernandez is very knowledgeable and has your best interest at heart. She explains things and answ... ers your questions how you can understand. I have been going there for 20+ years. The staff is friendly and welcoming.
- Aug. 08, 2022
Very charismatic staff! Good prices for glasses and contacts.
- Jun. 21, 2022
Got me glasses and it was quick and painless. Coming here again!
- May. 16, 2022
Amazing from the front desk to Dr. Brittany Martin....I high recommend them. I didn't know what I wa... s missing...:)

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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.

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