senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(937) 653-5005

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 Professional Vision Services - Urbana 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 Professional Vision Services - Urbana 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
- Nov. 18, 2024
Been going here since I was a kid. From glasses, contacts, lasik referral, and routine exams and fol... low ups. Always has been honest and efficient service.
- Jul. 11, 2024
Called on Saturday 7/6/2024 because I had something in my eye. They scheduled me same day. I truly a... ppreciated them getting me in.
- Oct. 07, 2023
Easy to book an appointment, staff was nice, doc was great, got seen quickly, and it didn't cost an ... arm and a leg even without insurance. Out of 4 other places I checked out, this was easily the best.
- Sep. 30, 2023
First time visit and everyone was super friendly and helpful. I love how they price match on contact... s! Happy I switched from my old doctor.
- Sep. 27, 2023
Love coming here. Very professional and courteous. I would highly recommend Harry and his employees ... any day.
- Jan. 23, 2019
The staff and doctor is awesome!!
- Jul. 23, 2018
this place is awesome. The entire staff is very friendly, professional and helpful. I am happy to s... ay I have found a new eye doctor.
- Jul. 21, 2018
Have had my eye appointments and glasses and contacts done here for years, the staff is friendly and... things run nicely.
- Feb. 24, 2018
Great cookies! Everyone here is awesome!
- Jul. 11, 2016
I have been going here for years. Absolutely the best staff ever.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Urbana

Our optometry practice in Urbana

Photograph of Harry  Davis
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday Closed
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Open the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 8am-1pm.
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • MetLife

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(937) 653-5005