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 Sharper Vision Eyecare today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Mesa

Our optometry practice in Mesa

Photograph of Terri Gieske
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
  • Nov. 23 Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • 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 Sharper Vision Eyecare today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
4.7
251 Reviews
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- Sep. 09, 2023
Been coming here for years. Like the doctor and staff! Always polite!
- Sep. 02, 2023
Great staff. Great enviornment. Professional yet fun and personable. Highly recommend.
- Aug. 07, 2023
Great place. They were able to squeeze me in for an issue I was having. Very friendly staff.
- Aug. 01, 2023
Efficient and on time!
- Jul. 03, 2023
They have my eye health as top priority and also looking your best with your new glasses.
- Jun. 29, 2023
I had a great experience at Sharper Vison Eyecare. All of the staff were super friendly, the online ... scheduling tool was super convenient and Dr Hammond was wonderful. She answered all my questions and helped me feel at ease. I highly recommend!
- Jun. 19, 2023
Dr Hammond was nice and listened to my concerns
- May. 15, 2023
Great team and great results!!
- Apr. 26, 2023
Helpful and friendly Didn't have to wear a mask !!!!
- Mar. 06, 2023
Dr. Hammond is incredible, she really takes her time and makes you so comfortable. She explains ever... ything and makes sure you understand. The entire staff is amazing as well, all so welcoming and helpful. Thank you!!!
- Feb. 24, 2023
They were very kind and friendly. My son was nervous and they made him feel uncomfortable. My daught... er went to this location too and she had tons of questions. She was excited when they explained things in a way a young girl could understand. She still talks about going back for her eye check. I appreciate Dr Moody and staff!
- Feb. 15, 2023
Dr. Michelle Hammond and her staff are truly amazing! Dr. Hammond was sweet, she listened to my con... cerns, explained everything very well, and found my eye prescription quickly. Glenna was a joy as well! She was so kind and patient as I looked for a frame that I liked. From start to finish, I had a great experience at Sharper Vision Eyecare.
- Feb. 02, 2023
Friendly and efficient. Good communication.
- Jan. 30, 2023
Always great!
- Jan. 23, 2023
Friendly staff and it was a great experience.
- Jan. 17, 2023
It was my first time visiting Dr. Hammond, she was very kind, with a great attitude and explaining t... hings very well and easy to understand during my one year check up, it just made a difference!
- Dec. 30, 2022
I bought a pair of glasses from Karen and it was a seamless experience. She helped suggest glasses f... or me to try on, made recommendations based of my preferences, and explained everything to me thoroughly. Erin, Jeff, and the rest of the staff were all very professional and friendly as well.
- Dec. 29, 2022
We've been coming here for several years. The staff and doctors have always been super friendly help... ful and willing to take their time with you. I want to give a shout out to Jeff who helped me find a difficult lens and frame combination and worked with me several days to get the order in.
- Nov. 30, 2022
Dr. Giseke is a superb Doctor
- Nov. 27, 2022
Very personal. Great experience.

View All 251 Reviews

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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