senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(281) 601-1001

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.


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 Memorial Eye Center - Rayford 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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124 Reviews
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- Mar. 04, 2024
Dr.Diana Gonzalez Deliganis gave me a excellent eye exam. The staff was professional and kind. My gl... asses are perfect! Thank you! I highly recommend this center.
- Oct. 20, 2023
The service was awesome, and the selection of eye wear is on fleek!! Definitely will be taking my bu... siness back to those guys
- Sep. 29, 2023
Very friendly and accommodating staff! We will continue to use this location
- Sep. 29, 2023
Everyone was nice, friendly and professional! Definitely recommend!!
- Aug. 14, 2023
This office has excellent care. Doctor was very nice and made you feel like family. The front desk... girl, Grace I think was singing and super happy when I came in. The guy who helped me pick out my glasses was super nice. The eye tech/nurse was super nice. Everyone was super professional and facility was clean. I had a great visit here.
- Aug. 02, 2023
Good people
- 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!

View All 124 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Spring

Our optometry practice in Spring

Photograph of Monica  Gonzales-Deliganis
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
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(281) 601-1001