senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(931) 232-5118

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 Dover Eye Clinic 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 Dover Eye Clinic 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
4.9
172 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Nov. 07, 2024
I had a great experience here they are very sweet girls professional very clean and Dr Maria is awes... ome I love my glasses 🩷
- Nov. 02, 2024
I'm coming just on account of the way yall treated my wife ! Very professional
- Sep. 27, 2024
My daughter has anxiety from eye doctors so bad and I was worried with the mix of reviews online. Bu... t I loved our kind female technician and Dr Anna Anderson so much! Apologies to the gentlemen after us because we ran over our appointment time but they were so kind and patient explaining everything to my 10 year-old. Dee was great as well when we tried glasses on. Highly recommend.
- Sep. 18, 2024
Great Service
- Sep. 12, 2024
The optometrist was very informative about my scans and eye test. The staff was helpful. By the time... I finished my paperwork they were ready for my exam.
- Aug. 29, 2024
Dr Anna Anderson was very professional, personable, and knowledgeable. I felt well informed and take... n care of. The rest of the staff were friendly helpful and moved me along quickly to the next step. It was a good visit.
- Jul. 27, 2024
Dr. Maria, Tammy and the rest of the staff are always amazing! I feel confident that I received a t... horough exam, and enjoyed visitng with my friends at the Dover Eye Clinic!
- Jul. 12, 2024
Great customer service!!
- Jun. 19, 2024
Very friendly and very professional.
- May. 15, 2024
Dr John maria is the best.
- Mar. 25, 2024
Dr. Maria is awesome, I was super nervous because I’ve been seeing lots of floaters but after chec... king my eyes he assured me they were fine. Explained everything thoroughly and was very personable. Also did not belittle me about being nervous during my visit! The rest of the staff was so kind as well! I left feeling taken care of.
- Mar. 04, 2024
Love my Dover Eye Clinic people ❤️
- Feb. 09, 2024
Great vision care by Dr. Maria and his staff. I have used this clinic for years and I have never bee... n disappointed.
- Feb. 06, 2024
Knowledgeable staff, great diagnostic technology, experienced doctor, and no long waits! Been going... there for years and I trust them.
- Feb. 05, 2024
Great service and fast turnaround for eyewear!!!
- Jan. 15, 2024
Great atmosphere, clean and great people
- Nov. 30, 2023
Friendly and knowledgeable staff, convenient location, and I love the new online scheduling option!
- Sep. 25, 2023
Love Dr. Maria's enthusiasm when I ace all my tests.
- Aug. 22, 2023
Best eye doctor ever!
- Jun. 23, 2023
The entire staff is friendly and professional

View All 172 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Dover

Our optometry practice in Dover

Photograph of John  Maria
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(931) 232-5118