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 - Barker Cypress today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Coles Crossing South

Our optometry practice in Coles Crossing South

Photograph of Ruchita  Sharma
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
  • Nov. 23 Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

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 - Barker Cypress today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
4.7
288 Reviews
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- Sep. 15, 2023
Great service and professional staff.
- Aug. 31, 2023
Good customer service and the doctor took time to explain my test results.
- Aug. 01, 2023
Absolutely fantastic . I always recommend
- Jul. 20, 2023
Very nice place, including staff
- Jul. 09, 2023
Thank you so much for seeing me immediately and discovering my eye issues. I’m grateful they refer... red me to a Retinologist and I underwent immediate emergency surgery. They saved my eyesight! I will be returning after I’ve healed to get my glasses and contacts refilled! Thanks again to Dr. Mimi Doung… I’m forever grateful…
- Apr. 10, 2023
Dr. Mimi and her team were all efficient in handling me during my first eye check up. Everything was... explained thoroughly and everything was high tech! The place was clean and from the moment you got there, the procedure was sytematic. Everyone knew when it's their turn to have you taken into a particular room for eye exam. Thank you , Dr.Mimi and the rest of the staff. I feel like I still have 20/20 vision to see how professional and committed you all are!
- Feb. 22, 2023
Awesome service … Nice and friendly … Quick and efficient. Affordable.
- Jan. 27, 2023
Simply smashing! What can I said just smashing! Thank you very much. Cordially, Carlo Concha
- Jan. 22, 2023
Great place. They thoroughly explain everything to you. Everyone is polite and professional. Highly ... recommend.
- Jan. 20, 2023
Lovely experience
- Jan. 19, 2023
Very professional staff. Loved Dr Sharma!
- Jan. 17, 2023
They are the best
- Jan. 03, 2023
Always great service!! Top Notch!!
- Dec. 09, 2022
Everyone is friendly and they take your concerns seriously
- Nov. 23, 2022
Great staff, everyone is friendly and accommodating, and they are awesome with kids.
- Nov. 22, 2022
Friendly staff, clean (and beautiful) facilities, and informative! The staff let me know the cost of... everything at the desk when I asked, and I was not surprised with a different bill at the end of my visit. Dr. Mimi is an awesome doctor and super nice!
- Nov. 21, 2022
Dr. Ziskrout is the best!
- Nov. 11, 2022
The staff was friendly, professional and timely!
- Oct. 18, 2022
Dr. Ziskrout and the tech explained everything very well. When with Dr. Ziskrout, he made me feel ve... ry welcomed, relaxed, and made sure to answer any questions I had. The tech made sure I knew what each test was for and what to expect. She also made sure I knew what the dilation and/or pictures were for that I opted out of. Once informed, I chose to do the pictures which my insurance partially paid, my portion didn't cost much. I was also pleased that my contact order was fast; ordered on Tuesday and came in on Saturday. That is also another plus, they are opened on Saturday.
- Oct. 07, 2022
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View All 288 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

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

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