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 Memorial Eye Center - Rayford today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment

Our optometry practice in Spring

Photograph of Kim-Van Chau
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Blue Cross

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 and 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 Memorial Eye Center - Rayford today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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116 Reviews
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- Sep. 08, 2022
Called to schedule my husband an appointment and the lady at the front desk was able to get him in i... mmediately. His appointment was scheduled for 30 minutes from the time I called which was great. We were greeted by two ladies as soon as we walked in the door. Wait time was minimal, less than 3 minutes. The staff was friendly and helpful. Megan is the absolute best she’s always willing to help in any way. The waiting area and the exam room were very clean and well kept. Plus they had a great playlist!
- Sep. 28, 2021
Kayla was excellent!
- Jun. 04, 2021
The staff and glasses selection at my visit today were fantastic. This crew is especially knowledgea... ble and helpful. Honestly they all deserve a significant raise for the expertise, care, and professionalism they bring to the practice!
- Feb. 12, 2021
Everyone there is friendly and professional.
- Oct. 31, 2020
Memorial Eye Center (formerly Today's Vision) is my go-to place for eye exams. The staff are friend... ly, polite & professional. The exams are thorough and you never feel like anything has been missed. Dr. Patel explains any questions you have in as much detail as you want. I always learn something from him.
- Oct. 20, 2020
First time to visit this location and quite some time since I had an eye exam. I was very fortunate ... on the first try to meet Dr. Patel and the staff at the Rayford office. Very knowledgeable. Very honest. Very straightforward. Very professional. Very courteous.
- Oct. 24, 2019
I have been a happy patient of Dr. Patel's for almost a decade. I couldn't ask for better service. M... y family and I would not go any place else for our eye care.
- Oct. 07, 2019
Great atmosphere and service!!!
- Sep. 27, 2019
I just moved to the area and walked into the office to get information. They brought me in for an ex... am right then! Super friendly doctor and staff!
- Sep. 14, 2019
Everyone was very nice
- Sep. 06, 2019
Staff is efficient and friendly. Dr. Patel very engaging and professional. Highly recommended.
- Aug. 26, 2019
Dr. Patel is always so happy and high energy. I wish I could find a family practitioner that cares f... or their patients the way Dr. P does. My family and I always enjoy our yearly visits. I love the new front lobby staff too!
- Aug. 22, 2019
Always top notch care in a very pleasant environment.
- Aug. 15, 2019
My whole family sees dr. Patel, hes very nice and the staff is great!
- Jul. 29, 2019
Dr. Patel is the best! Takes great care of my family. Thoroughly answers our questions and never mak... es us feel rushed. The best part is that he isn't just in it for the quick buck, as he has been very conservative in advising on glasses for both of my children. He also took the time to explain blue light to my boys and the importance of turning off their tablets at least an hour before bedtime. I highly recommend!
- Jul. 23, 2019
Dr. Patel is easily the best eye doctor I have ever seen. I am 51 years old and have worn glasses si... nce I was 5, so I have seen many eye doctors over the years, he beats them all. I first saw him in Spring, then followed him to College Station (yes, I drove from Spring to CS just to see him, multiple times) and now back to the Woodlands. Every eye doctor and surgeon I had ever seen told me I was the most far-sighted patient they had ever encountered, and he was no different. To add to that I have astigmatisms in both eyes, am diabetic and am myopic, near legally blind in my left eye, so I was and am a high-maintenance patient. I literally could not function without my eyewear, and at the time wore the strongest contacts available, with +4 cheaters on top of them when I needed to read. Dr. Patel was very instrumental in helping me attain lense replacement and lasic sugery, which at the time most places were turning me away due to my vison being so poor. However, he spoke with the surgeons and supplied referrals which no doubt helped me attain my dream of eye surgery, which was above and beyond his responsibility. His staff is also great, very knowledgeable and friendly, always greeting with a smile and a super attitude and also a big help picking out frames, of which they have a huge selection. He uses all the latest, cutting edge equipment, his office is always clean and looking great. You wont find a better or more caring or attentive eye doctor, he also has great prices and will work with anyone. I have seen him for over 10 years, and he now takes care of my entire family, which makes 5 of us. We have four different insurance plans and he accomodates them all. I wouldn’t dream of ever seeing anyone else. This may sound like a commercial, or a fake review, but I am just a patient, and its all true. However, I am obviously a very, extremely satisfied patient. If you ever see him once you won’t go anywhere else, promise.
- Jul. 17, 2019
The staff was friendly and helpful. The Doctor was patient and thoughtful to my problem and explaine... d my issues so I understood his finding and plan for action.
- Jul. 16, 2019
Dr. Patel is phenomenal!!! Very knowledgeable and GREAT with our kids. He's very detailed but pract... ical, not just looking to make money. He's genuine in his assessment.
- Jul. 01, 2019
Great visit! I was in and out in less than an hour. Everyone in the office was fantastic!
- Jun. 25, 2019
I have been a patient here for several years now and I have nothing but great things to say. I would... n't go anywhere else. Dr. Patel is constantly updating his knowledge, his practice, and takes care of me like family.

View All 116 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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