senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(724) 772-2222

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 Eyetique - Cranberry 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 Eyetique - Cranberry 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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- May. 06, 2024
Excellent customer service knowledgeable. Quick turn around for glasses
- Apr. 29, 2024
Great frame selection. Great service by technician. Quick turn around
- Oct. 23, 2023
Super quick! Received my contacts and glasses within a week of ordering them!
- Oct. 07, 2023
Susan is great. She really understands what each customer’s needs are. She explains everything and... makes sure the customer understands. Great with detail.
- Nov. 21, 2022
Susan is fantastic! Highly recommend this Eyetique.
- Oct. 24, 2022
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- Aug. 05, 2022
I was looking for a basic kind of frame and she did everything in her power to find me a pair that w... as a perfect fit for me slightly out of my comfort zone
- Jan. 20, 2022
The Eyetique location inside Everett & Hurite is a great office. Susan is very knowledgeable as an O... ptician. Super friendly and easy to work with.
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I love Eyetique!
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Sue is the best 🙂
- Jul. 08, 2019
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- Feb. 20, 2019
Cheri is wonderful. She makes customers very comfortable and provides no nonsense guidance. She de... serves a raise.
- Nov. 07, 2018
Great place to get good quality eyeglasses. Cheri worked with our insurance to save on our purchases... . She was very friendly but also professional. Would recommend them to our friends.
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- Oct. 16, 2018
Cheri is most helpful and patient with her clients. Sales is all about the relationship with the cli... ent, she makes friends not $ signs.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Warrendale

Our optometry practice in Warrendale

Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
  • Nov. 28 Closed
  • Nov. 29 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Anthem
  • National Vision Administration (NVA)
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • VBA
  • Metlife Vision
  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(724) 772-2222