senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(614) 837-9595

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 Winchester Vision Care 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 Winchester Vision Care 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
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159 Reviews
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- Oct. 30, 2024
Love Dr. Manning! Caring, compassionate and excellent clinician!
- Sep. 29, 2024
The office visit was such a positive experience!
- Sep. 10, 2024
I drove all the way from Dublin Hilliard to see Dr. MURRAY. BEST IN Columbus! Great friendly staff t... oo.
- Sep. 09, 2024
I had a wonderful experience. I believe the lady I think her name is (Regina). She gave me excellent... service. She was also working alone. She still greeted all customers and provided service. I will definitely be back. I'm so excited to get my glasses. Thank you Regina and Winchester Vision Care.
- Aug. 02, 2024
Very professional eye care center
- Jul. 16, 2024
Excellent ! Staff and doctors are awesome! Very knowledgeable !!
- Apr. 24, 2024
I enjoy the dr and staff. They’ve been great
- Apr. 13, 2024
Staff is so accommodating. Examination is very thorough. Everyone there takes time to explain exams ... and outcomes.
- Apr. 10, 2024
Everyone is friendly, short wait times, and cute frames!
- Mar. 26, 2024
The staff there were so pleasant and friendly to engage with. Went to another Vision Center we won't... mention their name, however i Ieft bc I felt so unimportant and the prices were just too extreme. Thank you for making this a great experience and I will be back again.
- Feb. 16, 2024
Great service. I loved the pre op and post op care. I appreciate all the assessments that helped wit... h the questions and answers along the way.
- Feb. 10, 2024
Friendly staff, great service.
- Feb. 07, 2024
Dr. Meyers and staff are the best!
- Feb. 02, 2024
Always a good experience at Winchester Vision Care. In and out with a thorough exam and great people... !
- Jan. 28, 2024
Always fast and friendly service. Answered all of my questions and concerns too.
- Jan. 25, 2024
Everyone is friendly and helpful. Dr. Myers explains everything and is very thorough and kind.
- Jan. 23, 2024
De Meyer and his staff are always wonderful.
- Jan. 10, 2024
I was having a lot of pressure, redness and irritation to my eye and Dr.Manning saw me right away fo... r an emergency appt. I am so grateful and my symptoms were relieved quickly after his suggested treatment.
- Dec. 29, 2023
The professionalism and customer service is the best. I did try going elsewhere once to go closer t... o my home. But I realized quickly that closer didn't mean better. The quality of the exams and knowledge of the Dr truly makes me come back every year.
- Dec. 12, 2023
My family will always come to Winchester Vision Care because the staff and Dr. Meyers are welcoming,... knowledgeable and care about our eye health . Even though we no longer live in Canal …. We won’t go anywhere else. Customer service is always demonstrated by the entire staff and doctors at Winchester Vision Care. Thank you Dr. Meyers for always operating in excellence. The Dent family

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in South Columbus

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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(614) 837-9595