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 Eyes on Regent Square today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

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
  • Wednesday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
  • Nov. 23 Closed
  • Nov. 24 Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife
  • Aetna

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

Patient Reviews
4.7
247 Reviews
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- 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
- Aug. 15, 2022
Very nice and positive employees and atmosphere
- Aug. 06, 2022
The exam was thorough and I have a great deal of confidence in the professionalism of the doctor and... the staff. The doctor clearly explained what he was looking for in the tests and included me in options for follow-up care.
- Aug. 01, 2022
Everyone I came in contact with was very pleasant and professional and it made for a great experienc... e and also appreciated your selection of eyewear.
- Jun. 17, 2022
I always receive quality care at Eyes on Regent Square. Pleasant staff, and professionals who know w... hat they're doing. That's why I've been going there for several years even though they're not the closest place to my home!
- Apr. 15, 2022
Dr. Kamons and the staff at Eyes on Regent Square are just awesome. They answer all my questions kin... dly and promptly, and I always feel comfortable there. I'm so glad I became a patient here!
- Mar. 23, 2022
Excellent Dr Kamons is a very good eye doctor
- Mar. 01, 2022
I am highly myopic and it is usually hard to get the glasses and contact lenses that fit. The doctor... explained everything clearly. All the staff and doctors are very friendly and patient. Would definitely recommend!
- Feb. 28, 2022
Couldn't ask for a better ophthalmologist - staff is super friendly and accommodating, exceptional s... ervice & care.
- Feb. 17, 2022
Very welcoming, fast, and nice! One of the, if not the best eye doctors I have been too! Definitely ... will be returning for my annual next year! They were awesome! Thank you!!!
- Nov. 29, 2021
As someone with keratoconus, I am beyond grateful to the entire Eyes on Regent Square team for their... graciousness, patience, kindness, and care while getting scleral lenses for the first time.
- Nov. 25, 2021
Great people and great service. I wouldn't go anywhere else.
- Nov. 11, 2021
Nice staff, Great experience.

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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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