senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(412) 731-2020

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 Eyes on Regent Square 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 Eyes on Regent Square 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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- Oct. 26, 2024
Good job
- Oct. 08, 2024
Great selection of frames to choose from! Dr Monroe is very knowledgeable and detailed, would recomm... end to anyone looking for services.
- Aug. 31, 2024
Clean, friendly, a great exam, and a nice selection of frames (chosen with the help of the friendly ... and patient staff).
- May. 21, 2024
A wonderful overall business with friendly staff, a supportive and caring culture. The physician go... es above and beyond to be present with you during the appointment and also providing you education as needed which I greatly appreciate. Highly recommend!
- May. 07, 2024
Dr. Monroe was very pleasant, and the staff were very kind. It was a very pleasant visit.
- Apr. 18, 2024
The staff is very friendly, helpful and accommodating. The office is always very clean and relaxing.... There is a very nice selection of eyewear to choose from. Dr. Moore is very knowledgeable, personable and takes the time to explain your eye health, status and procedures to you.
- Apr. 12, 2024
Great Doctor, staff and selection of frames!
- Apr. 07, 2024
The staff and service is great. I’d recommend everyone to visit this practice.
- Mar. 18, 2024
I've seen Dr Monroe my entire life for vision care. He's excellent at what he does, patient, kind an... d very thorough. The staff has also been kind and easy to come to with problems. The parking situation is tough at the location and the drive can be precarious if you hate going toward the inner city, but he's worth it!
- Mar. 08, 2024
Very qualified and knowledgeable staff! Kind to the patients!
- Mar. 08, 2024
Dr. Monroe and his staff were very welcoming and helpful!
- Feb. 04, 2024
Wonderful staff, and frames!
- Nov. 04, 2023
Everyone was very friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating. And the wait time was reasonable!
- Aug. 13, 2023
I Love Coming Here for My Eyeglasses. The Staff Is Great, Very Nice, Very Helpful & Caring.
- Jun. 18, 2023
I’ve been going here for years. The quality of service and merchandise is superb.
- May. 06, 2023
Dr Monroe is a very caring and thorough doctor. My entire family sees him for vision exams. He was a... lso to see me right away for an eye problem. During that visit he took care to check my eye and he gave me a treatment plan that is helping my eye to get better.
- Apr. 03, 2023
I was given a comprehensive explanation of my eye health and left feeling more knowledgeable. The st... aff was very friendly throughout.
- Mar. 21, 2023
Had a great experience with Dr. Monroe & the entire staff. It was a thorough exam and I couldn’t b... e happier with my care. Highly recommend.
- Jan. 10, 2023
Great doctor & staff
- Aug. 30, 2022
This is the only place I would go to get my eye exam from now on

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Regent Square

Our optometry practice in Regent Square

Photograph of David  Monroe
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(412) 731-2020