senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(512) 248-2424

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 Advanced Eyecare & Surgery 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 Advanced Eyecare & Surgery 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
4.7
423 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Oct. 03, 2024
Tiffany at the reception was beyond professional! She has been diligent with my insurance reimbursem... ent and claim for almost four years now! and still the same level of service makes the visit and trip here worth it!
- Sep. 25, 2024
I have been a patient with Advanced Eyecare for about 2 yrs. I am completely confident in the care t... hey have provided for me, as I have many years of eye care history & very varied levels of care & treatment. Advanced Eyecare is top-knotch, & they have demonstrated time & again that I can rely on their dedication to genuine concern & problem-solving for my needs. I can strongly recommend them with my full conviction.
- Aug. 24, 2024
Beautiful environment, clean and very modern!
- Aug. 16, 2024
Advanced Eyecare and Surgery in Round Rock
- Jul. 31, 2024
The staff is so friendly and welcoming. Dr Fuller is very knowledgeable, listens and takes time with... you.
- Jun. 02, 2024
Great service! Very thorough eye exams 🙂
- Apr. 19, 2024
Great place! Very friendly staff and a good selection of frames! Dr. Bridgette was fantastic!
- Mar. 12, 2024
Good care, great staff.
- Mar. 08, 2024
Dr. Gasser was very professional and knowledgeable. She did an excellent job with my eye exam and an... swered all of my questions. The staff was also very friendly and helpful and they make you feel welcome.
- Mar. 02, 2024
Very friendly staff. Dr. Ware is very attentive and doesn't rush you doing your visit.
- Feb. 13, 2024
Wonderful people who are kind and efficient. Makes for a great experience for my yearly eye exam!
- Feb. 04, 2024
Doctor Ware has a great 'chair side' manner and I feel very comfortable and at ease throughout the e... ntire exam. Assisting staff are warm and helpful and overall I feel like I get great care during my annual eye and contact lens exams.
- Jan. 26, 2024
Very detailed explanation on my appointments. Expertise and awesome attitude from all the staff.
- Nov. 08, 2023
Great experience all around.
- Nov. 01, 2023
Dr. Zamora's team did a great job prepping me for the Dr., and Dr. Zamora was very quick yet friendl... y. You are going to love the waiting room; go early so you can relax before your appointment.
- Oct. 10, 2023
Love this place. Great staff. DR Debbie Zamora seals the deal and I always enjoy my experience wi... th them.
- Sep. 23, 2023
Staff helpful…exam was thoughtful and thorough. Folks in the eyeglass area were accommodating and ... even fixed my current glasses which I had sat on and were bent. I appreciated the offer!
- Sep. 19, 2023
Staff was really friendly. Doctor was really patient and explained everything.
- Aug. 25, 2023
Dr Ware is kind and professional and seems very determined to find the perfect fit for my contacts
- Aug. 24, 2023
Great customer service!

View All 423 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Heritage Center

Our optometry practice in Heritage Center

Photograph of Bridgette  Fuller
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(512) 248-2424