senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(989) 845-7050

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 Advanced Eyecare & Contact Lens Center - Chesaning 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 Advanced Eyecare & Contact Lens Center - Chesaning 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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244 Reviews
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- Oct. 19, 2024
Very friendly and helpful staff
- Oct. 16, 2024
I have known and gone to Cave's practice since he moved into his Chesaning facility. He and staff ha... ve always been top notch and very helpful.
- Oct. 11, 2024
Dr. Duryea and staff are wonderful!
- Oct. 08, 2024
Advanced Eye care has a great staff and Dr. David Duryea is a caring, perceptive, and knowledgeable ... doctor.
- Sep. 04, 2024
Dr. Wicke is the nicest doctor you could ever hope to meet. Also, she is extremely knowledgeable a... nd teaches you about everything that has been done to your eyes! I couldn’t ask for a better eye doctor. On a 1-10 scale, she is a 50🥰💕
- Aug. 08, 2024
Dr Duryea and Farah are always a pleasure to deal with. The rest of the staff is also very friendly ... and welcoming.
- Jul. 24, 2024
Love the customer service and the help with all procedures.
- Jul. 13, 2024
The staff was very nice, explained things well, and helped me pick out the perfect pair of eyeglasse... s.
- Jul. 11, 2024
Dr. Duryea is exceptional with his care with children and adults alike. Very kind and caring team!
- Jul. 04, 2024
The staff are wonderful and service is prompt and extremely professional.
- Jun. 28, 2024
A friend was visiting and helping me with some projects and started having pain in his eye. Called ... Advanced Eyecare and they saw us immediately. Within minutes the Doctor Duryea was able to remove a piece of metal that had somehow flown into his eye and had gotten lodged above his eye where we could not see it. So kind and so professional!!! Thank you so much! You never see such service like that anymore!!
- Jun. 19, 2024
I've been going to Advanced Eye Care for years. Dr Duryea is the best. The staff is very respecful, ... friendly, and great at their jobs. I would highly recommend them!
- Jun. 18, 2024
Excellent service.
- May. 31, 2024
I've always had the most professional and caring service from the whole staff. I have NO complaints ... ! Thank you Advanced eye care !
- May. 03, 2024
The lady that helped me out was absolutely amazing n I want to thank her for the job she did.
- Apr. 29, 2024
Everyone is so kind and helpful and our glasses came in very quickly. Repairs are quick and painless... . Would recommend you to anyone.
- Apr. 04, 2024
Always a great experience here. The team and providers are very friendly and helpful.
- Feb. 22, 2024
Super friendly amd super quick
- Feb. 18, 2024
Great people fast friendly service
- Feb. 08, 2024
Excellent caring staff

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Chesaning

Our optometry practice in Chesaning

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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(989) 845-7050