senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(615) 672-6896

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 Community EyeCare 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 Community EyeCare 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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241 Reviews
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- Sep. 17, 2024
Great staff and knowledgeable service! Two years as patient / customer and will keep coming!
- Sep. 10, 2024
Community eye care is the best. Had a eye exam today . The whole staff is caring and knowledgeable... . Thank you
- Jul. 25, 2024
No long waits, friendly staff, up to date and very clean equipment . Dr DeHaven is very nice, very p... rofessional, and answers any questions you have.
- Jul. 24, 2024
Wonderful eye care place...everyone from the front to the back is amazing, professional, and respect... ful of your time.
- Jul. 15, 2024
Clean and helpful at Community Eyecare. Love the Costa sunglasses had to take a picture with them!
- Jul. 06, 2024
They are the best eye care in White House!
- Jun. 21, 2024
Nice people and great at what they do!
- May. 11, 2024
Been going here for years. Don't just recommend to friends but recommended you to my wife.
- May. 04, 2024
Highly recommend Community Eye Care. The staff is kind and helpful and Dr. DeHaven is the best! You ... won’t regret giving them a try.
- May. 02, 2024
Great place.
- Apr. 30, 2024
We love Dr. DeHaven & the staff at Community Eye Care. They are always so friendly and helpful!
- Apr. 26, 2024
Knowledgeable, courteous staff and friendly staff!
- Mar. 26, 2024
Very Very good people.
- Mar. 13, 2024
Doc Hank and his staff was incredible... I have an issue with my eye lid glands and they provided me... with this therapy for just twenty bucks... And since my vision insurance wasn't in thier system they cut me a deal of just $98 cash...!!! So one just can't be a great vision exam for that...!!! He explained everything to me that made total sense and I really appreciate that...!!! Thanks to the intire team for a excellent experience...!!! Thanks again Joe
- Feb. 20, 2024
Dr. DeHaven and his staff are always extremely friendly and helpful. I have never had a bad experien... ce at this office. My questions and concerns regarding my eye care are listened to, and addressed. I highly recommend their services.
- Feb. 02, 2024
Very nice and personal. Will definitely be back as long as our insurance covers
- Jan. 11, 2024
Dr. DeHaven is a good and thorough doctor and answers all questions you may have. The staff are very... nice and professional.
- Dec. 20, 2023
Wonderful place. The whole staff is great. Everyone works with me to get my eye exam done and helped... me order the right glasses.
- Dec. 16, 2023
I have been coming to Community Eyecare for years. There is always a friendly face to greet you. Dr ... Dehaven is very thorough and takes a personal interest in his patients. Mrs. Connie has been there since I started going there. She always has a smile.
- Dec. 09, 2023
I've been coming here for years and always love it. The staff is friendly, the environment is clean,... just a great place to get my eye exams or new glasses. I want to personally give a shoutout to Jessie. She's always been my go to when I come here and she's always so nice.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in White House

Our optometry practice in White House

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Hours
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(615) 672-6896