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 - Spring Klein 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 Christopher  Doan
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife

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 - Spring Klein today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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213 Reviews
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- Mar. 11, 2023
A great staff that’s always ready to assist you.
- Feb. 03, 2023
The whole staff was so helpful and loved Dr. Nguyen! Highly recommend.
- Jan. 17, 2023
Dr. Doan was knowledgeable and patient with my nervous 8 year old son, who struggled a bit with the ... eye exam. My son felt frustrated when he couldn't easily read all the letters, but Dr. Doan took the time to help him understand the issues with his vision. The staff was extremely friendly and kind! I would definitely recommend Memorial Eye Center - Spring Klein!
- Jan. 13, 2023
Niceee n quick !!
- Jan. 02, 2023
The staff and Dr. Nguyen are very professional and friendly. The eye center is run well - they were ... on schedule, had my insurance and health records ready. Check out was a breeze and all charges were explained. It took about 30 minutes to have the exam and order my contacts. I am very satisfied.
- Dec. 31, 2022
I LOVE this location. The staff are absolutely AMAZING!!
- Dec. 25, 2022
Firs time going and I have to say one of the best eye doctor experience. Knowledgeable and friendly ... staff as well as a doctor who made things easy.
- Dec. 19, 2022
Everyone is amazing here. They all call me by name every time I walk in the door. It makes me feel l... ike family. Bonnie is over the top wonderful. You can tell she loves what she does because I feel the love every time I visit.
- Oct. 22, 2022
Everything was lovely. Very friendly staff, professional and efficient.
- Oct. 04, 2022
Excellent customer service!!!
- Oct. 04, 2022
Great customer service
- Sep. 14, 2022
Dr Nguyen is SO knowledgeable and explains things really well. He has amazing bedside manner and I e... njoy my appointments with him. His staff are all really good at what they do. They seem to make a great team and are efficient at getting me in and out the door. Highly recommend!
- Aug. 16, 2022
Great!!place!!very good service!!
- Aug. 15, 2022
Wow. I've been wearing glasses for over 30 years and no one has even taken the time to explain the ... differences in lenses during my exam. Dr Nguyen went above and beyond to talk me through what he was seeing on his end and helped me find the best prescription for my needs. Staff was also great and Stacey stayed late without complaint to make sure I found the frames I wanted. Excellent experience - highly recommend.
- Aug. 01, 2022
Amazing team of professionals.
- Jul. 27, 2022
Kind staff, the doctor is knowledgeable, thorough, and efficient
- Jul. 17, 2022
The team at Memorial Eye Center are super nice and very knowledgeable. They make the entire experien... ce incredibly easy.
- Nov. 04, 2021
Love Dr.Nugyen and his staff! Takes the time to explain and answers your questions with no rush! Lik... e a big happy family, great coworkers are essential for a work place. This place has it!
- Oct. 23, 2021
super friendly and informative , coming back for my glasses in a week 🙂
- Jun. 24, 2021
I have been going to Memorial Eye Center for years. The doctor and staff are the best. Thank you.

View All 213 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

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