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 - Garth Rd Baytown today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Highland Farms

Our optometry practice in Highland Farms

Photograph of Dana  Rader
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • 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 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 - Garth Rd Baytown today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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414 Reviews
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- Mar. 16, 2024
Dr. Ramon is great! He explained everything to me about what was going on with my eyes. He took the ... time to make sure I understood how to use 1 of my samples. The staff was really nice also.
- Mar. 15, 2024
Excellent service from the doctor and the entire staff. Also, great they have a very nice selection ... of frames to pick from.
- Mar. 11, 2024
Fast in and out. Very quick. Eye exam was only 79$!
- Mar. 05, 2024
Most amazing place ever wonderful staff and well trained doctors!
- Mar. 02, 2024
Dr Ramon and Staff are there to help with your optical issues.
- Feb. 27, 2024
Very professional.
- Feb. 27, 2024
Great visit! No long wait time Dr. Radar and the staff was very nice and welcoming! Dr. Radar was ... also very thorough, kind, patient and she listened. Overall, experience was wonderful.
- Feb. 27, 2024
Friendly staff. Easy and excellent to work with. Huge selection of glasses to choose from.
- Jan. 30, 2024
Highly recommend
- Jan. 23, 2024
I highly recommend them. They are very kind they explained everything they believe you have choices ... reasonably priced excellent service would highly recommend to anyone
- Jan. 19, 2024
Service was great
- Dec. 28, 2023
I have been going to Memorial Eye Center (Vision Source) since I accepted the fact that I might need... glasses a couple years ago. A great experience from start to finish. The scheduling process is very easy and now can be done online - you can even verify your insurance and upload your ID card. Dr. Evans is warm and informative. My only complaint has nothing to do with them … it’s me … the frames I am always attracted to happen to be the most expensive … the first time it was Armani, last time Burberry and this time, Prada. Why are the cheapest frames also the ugliest?! In 3 annual check-ups, I’ve yet to walk out without dropping at least $900! And that’s with insurance! Amy was very helpful at maximizing my benefits though.
- Nov. 25, 2023
Great staff, clean office, open appointments, short wait time and glasses collection is diverse
- Nov. 18, 2023
Awesome customer service
- Nov. 10, 2023
Very thorough Staff.
- Oct. 23, 2023
(Translated by Google) Thank you for your service I am very grateful for what you did for me and I w... ill take my wife for a checkup many blessings thank you memorial eye center (Original) Gracias por su servicio estoy muy agradecido por lo qué hicieron por mí y llevaré a mi esposa para un chequeo muchas bendiciones gracias memorial eye center
- Oct. 18, 2023
Great 1st experience for my kids. Doctor and staff are super friendly and explained process during t... esting. Veru knowledgeable. Love the vibe as soon as you walk in.
- Oct. 02, 2023
Great service, friendly staff, fantastic optometrists.
- Oct. 01, 2023
Quality eyeglasses and excellent service
- Sep. 28, 2023
Very knowledgeable staff. Friendly nurses and DR. My daughter loved every minute of her visit. They ... were clear and concise. They explained everything to me in detail & were incredibly understanding.

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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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