senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(480) 218-0663

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 Sharper Vision 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 Sharper Vision 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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324 Reviews
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- Sep. 20, 2024
Dr. Davis was fantastic!
- Sep. 17, 2024
Exactly the experience that I had hoped for. The staff and Dr Allie Moody informed me throughout abo... ut my concerns and my options. The front desk staff made me feel comfortable and cared for as well. I will recommend them gladly
- Aug. 31, 2024
Very kind, knowledgeable and professional.
- Jul. 13, 2024
This office is so nice and friendly. They are thorough and very helpful. I love it.
- Jun. 21, 2024
I recently visited Dr. Moody and I couldn't be more pleased with the experience. From the moment I w... alked in, the staff was welcoming and Kendra was the best and professional. Dr. Moody is incredibly knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything in detail during my eye exam. What stood out the most was her personalized approach. She genuinely cared about my comfort and vision needs, and it was clear she wanted the best outcome for me. It’s really a five star ⭐️
- Apr. 29, 2024
They are amazing and it's clear they really care! 10 out of 10, absolutely recommend!
- Apr. 08, 2024
Nicest team of people, super professional and helpful.
- Mar. 18, 2024
Dr Moody took the time to explain everything. Ciara was extremely helpful with choosing a pair of g... lasses. Start to finish amazing experience.
- Mar. 01, 2024
Great customer service.
- Feb. 23, 2024
Great friendly service and affordable prices
- Feb. 22, 2024
Very nice appointment from start to finish!
- Feb. 04, 2024
I wear glasses full time and have been going to Dr. Geiske for many years. She is top notch and the... staff is very efficient. Also, the frame selection is always up to date . They aim to please.
- Jan. 18, 2024
Dr Moody was thorough in her explanations and performed her assessment without delay. The front offi... ce staff were friendly yet professional.
- Jan. 13, 2024
Excellent experience.
- Jan. 12, 2024
The kind of vision care I wish I'd always had. My optometrist discovered a couple of eye problems E... ARLY. That means I get to take some actions to slow the progression and keep better vision longer. That's invaluable. A Sharper Vision optician was the first, ever, to measure pupil distance for glasses with enough precision to see that one eye is 1/2 millimeter farther from center than the other. Because of that, my progressive lenses are aligned better with my eyes and a larger area of what I'm looking at is in focus. I had been wearing glasses for 25 years already, living with the frustration of misaligned lenses. That was about 10 years ago. The opticians keep surprising me with their knowledge about glasses, fitting, and eyewear care. When they tell you to come back if you have any problems with new eyewear, they mean it. I couldn't get used to my new glasses recently so I went back. First an optician thoroughly checked the lenses. They had been made accurately to the prescription. Second, I was given an appointment with my optometrist to review exam results. She slightly tweaked the prescription, and my lenses are being changed to the new prescription. That's awesome client service.
- Jan. 12, 2024
Great staff, friendly and helpful. Explained what to expect. It was a positive experience from begi... nning to end.
- Jan. 10, 2024
If only more people would follow their standards this world be a far better place!
- Jan. 08, 2024
Great service. Good products. Talented staff that helps with selecting a good-looking product.
- Dec. 24, 2023
Dr Hammond is wonderful and knowledgeable. Since she joined the practice they have upgraded their te... chnology. Everyone there is friendly & professional. 😊😁
- Nov. 03, 2023
Professional experienced staff who listens to your wants and needs.

View All 324 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Mesa

Our optometry practice in Mesa

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Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(480) 218-0663