senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(731) 644-1222

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 Harrison Eye Clinic 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 Harrison Eye Clinic 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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127 Reviews
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- Nov. 25, 2024
Great service and friendly atmosphere! Recommend to everyone.
- Oct. 16, 2024
Excellent care.
- Sep. 24, 2024
Friendly,an professional
- Sep. 12, 2024
As a diabetic with a family history of blindness due to retinopathy the eye exams are always very te... nse. Dr. Anderson and the staff were beyond amazing. Dr. Anderson was great at making me comfortable with my disease and my prognosis, as well as what her plan of care would be in the future for me. So thankful for all of their time and expertise.
- Aug. 29, 2024
AWESOME STAFF AND EYE DOCTOR!!!
- Aug. 26, 2024
Both my exam and glasses buying experience was great!
- Aug. 16, 2024
Love love love Michelle!!!
- Aug. 08, 2024
Thank you for the wonderful customer service , my daughter left a one start on accident ! So we fixe... d it !!
- May. 18, 2024
Great eye Dr and great staff
- May. 09, 2024
Love Dr Harrison she takes her time and gets your eye needs accurately.
- Apr. 19, 2024
Yesterday was my first visit as I have a business that I am at during the week that is a good distan... ce from my home area. I have to say this group was top notch. Dr. Anderson did a great job explaining everything with me and really took her time in making sure I had the perfect prescription for my eyes. The young lady who fitted me for my glasses was also extremely patient and friendly. I left feeling great knowing when my glasses arrive I will be able to find my golf balls again. 🙂
- Apr. 05, 2024
the most thorough and polite experience I have ever encountered.
- Mar. 12, 2024
Dr. Anderson and her staff were very friendly and courteous!
- Mar. 09, 2024
Fantastic Dr and staff we were treated with respect and they genuinely care about your eye health!
- Nov. 09, 2023
Great service and a friendly atmosphere
- Nov. 06, 2023
We made the switch from a local giant chain store vision center and the difference is phenomenal! I ... feel we get so much better personalized care at Harrison Eye Clinic. Not only that, but the store vision center told me my son’s insurance wouldn’t pay for his glasses and I would have to pay 100% out of pocket. I made him an appointment at Harrison’s and insurance paid 100%! I was not a penny out of pocket! Dr. Harrison as well as Dr. Anderson are both very sweet and kind. You can tell they truly love their job. They are both also wonderful with pediatric patients.
- Oct. 12, 2023
I’m a new patient here and they were super great! My trial contacts were not comfortable on me so ... I had called they got me in 2 days later to come back and Harrison was AMAZING! She knew exactly what was wrong and got it taken care of!! They are very good and very helpful!! I highly recommend them!
- Sep. 01, 2023
Very satisfied!
- Jul. 28, 2023
Fantastic staff and a great Dr. They always take care of me. Best eye Dr in the state.
- Jul. 10, 2023
The staff was very professional, but also, personable and friendly. The office was very clean and fr... esh looking.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Paris

Our optometry practice in Paris

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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(731) 644-1222