senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(412) 471-9838

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 Gateway Eye Associates 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 Gateway Eye Associates 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
4.5
173 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Oct. 12, 2024
Professional, thorough, friendly, accommodating, respectful. Always a pleasure.
- Sep. 06, 2024
From soup to nuts, the visit was amazing. No pressure or feeling of being rushed. Dr. Tocco is an am... azing young doctor.
- Jul. 26, 2024
Great group
- May. 14, 2024
Professional Team i like them
- Mar. 08, 2024
Everyone was very helpful and very friendly
- Jan. 19, 2024
Friendly, knowledgeable staff. They go the extra mile to help!! 10 out of 10 recommended.
- Jan. 06, 2024
I have been going to Gateway since 1991 love both Dr. Clement and Dr. Dang and their staff. They ha... ve the best equipment and really take care of you.
- Nov. 04, 2023
I visited Gateway Eye as a new patient because it is close to my place of employment and they accept... my vision insurance. Dr. Dang was exceptional. After she reviewed my medications and medical history, I admitted that I was overdue for a follow up with my medical provider regarding a potential medical issue that may effect my vision. Dr. Dang strongly encouraged me to follow up with my medical provider in regards to this issue. After my vision appointment, I scheduled the medical appointment that I needed to schedule. To make a long story short, this medical appointment resulted in a diagnosis for a medical condition that is now being treated. I personally would have blown the whole thing off until next year's visit with my PCP if not for Dr. Dang's encouragement to me to follow up on this. I specifically made this vision appointment because I suspected that I needed progressive lenses. Dr. Dang and the staff were excellent and they got me into my appointment promptly, and I was out of the appointment in a very short time with my new eyeglass prescription. It was very easy to order my new glasses from Gateway Eye. Finally, it was extremely easy to make an appointment at Gateway Eye. I intend to use them for my next vision appointment.
- Oct. 13, 2023
All the staff members were exceptionally kind and understanding as I navigated my insurance concerns... . When it came to choosing glasses, they provided valuable assistance in selecting the ideal frames for me
- Aug. 31, 2023
Very professional+ caring.I have been going to them for a long time.I would never change Doctors! Hi... ghly recommend! He is the only Doctor in my life that prescribed me glasses that actually helped me see better in my life!Great personality too!
- Aug. 21, 2023
Highly recommend Gateway Eye Associates.
- Jul. 14, 2023
I felt comfortable with everyone and assured that I was in good hands
- Jul. 11, 2023
Dr Clement always listens to everything I tell him is happening and takes time to explain exactly wh... at is going on with my eyes. His is genuinely concerned about my vision and overall health.
- May. 16, 2023
Facebook
- Mar. 22, 2023
The entire team at Gateway Eye Associates is great, and my eyes and vision benefit from their expert... ise. Likewise, the experience at Gateway is enjoyable, because the team is personable.
- Jan. 27, 2023
Best eye practice in the city! Not only is Dr. Dang an amazing and thorough practitioner, but she’... s funny and relatable!
- Dec. 30, 2022
Overall really great people who take a lot of interest in servicing those who need eye care. They ta... ke the time to explain everything to you and do what they can to make sure you get everything you need! They took me under their wing as a student to see if I would be interested in eye care, and although I wasn’t the right fit, I still felt like it while I was there!
- Sep. 14, 2022
Dr. Clemente is super nice! Very thorough in his work and not pushy at all, as some doctors can be. ... All the staff are polite as well.
- Aug. 30, 2022
Great staff, professional and very helpful.
- Jun. 30, 2022
Dr. Clement really put me at ease about my floaters. He was very thorough and the office staff was v... ery kind . Thank you Dr. Clement!

View All 173 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Downtown

Our optometry practice in Downtown

Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife
  • Aetna

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(412) 471-9838