senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(952) 226-2020

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 Savage 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 Savage 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
180 Reviews
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- Sep. 19, 2024
I haven't had an eye checkup in 15+ years and it went great.
- Sep. 08, 2024
Friendly staff! Great with pricing and budgets.
- Aug. 26, 2024
Friendly, Easy to work with, and would reccommend you to anyone I know!
- Aug. 26, 2024
It is always a pleasure to visit, the staff here are delightful
- Aug. 23, 2024
Welcoming people and Great service đź’“
- Aug. 08, 2024
Knowledgeable staff, extremely friendly and calm with my child when she scratched her eye. I would ... 100% recommend because of the staff alone
- Aug. 06, 2024
We recently had an eye exam at Savage Eye Clinic and couldn’t be more impressed with the level of ... care and service we received. From the moment we walked in, the staff was welcoming and professional. They made us feel comfortable and ensured that all our questions were answered. Dr. Asman was thorough and attentive, taking the time to explain each step of the exam and the results in a way that was easy to understand. Dr. Asman’s and the staff’s expertise and genuine concern for our eye health were evident throughout the appointment. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and we highly recommend Savage Eye Clinic to anyone in need of eye care. Thank you to the entire team for providing such a wonderful experience!
- Jun. 20, 2024
Very happy to have stopped by for new glasses
- Jun. 20, 2024
Family friendly, professional staff. Online scheduling system is really convenient!
- Jun. 19, 2024
Great office with great staff!
- Jun. 14, 2024
Wonderful place and friendly staff
- Jun. 02, 2024
Wonderful experience and everyone is so helpful.
- May. 15, 2024
Very friendly and knowledgeable staff!
- May. 05, 2024
Very professional doctors!
- Apr. 04, 2024
perfect !!!!
- Feb. 10, 2024
The staff is so helpful and friendly. Highly recommend!
- Feb. 04, 2024
I had been seeing spots/flashing lights at the corner of my eye for a couple days. I learned this co... uld be an emergency, needing immediate retinal surgery to repair a tear! I messaged the office late at night. First thing the next morning, they called and I came in. The nurse who did the initial testing was terrific and explained and addressed my concern. Dr. Asman came right in, listened to my concern and did a full exam. I told her I was dealing with some *severe* anxiety and couldn’t imagine lying awake and still for up to 2 hours having my eye repaired! Luckily, it wasn’t a tear, I have some spots that cause the same symptom of the flashing lights. (If you or someone you know is having that happen, get to an eye doc immediately!) Had I in fact had the retinal tear, she told me she has a doc who would get me in within 30 minutes to do the surgery! Every person in that office from reception, nurse, doc was as kind, patient and gracious as can be. I don’t know to recommend someone more highly.
- Dec. 12, 2023
Maggie does a great job, eyes are important, go see her.
- Dec. 11, 2023
Great care and easy to work with.
- Nov. 07, 2023
I had a great experience, wonderful staff and doctor, my glasses were ready days later (not a strong... prescription but still) I really appreciated my experience there.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Savage

Our optometry practice in Savage

Photograph of Maggie  Asman
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(952) 226-2020