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 Clear Vision Family Eyecare today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Mars

Our optometry practice in Mars

Photograph of Pamela Houghton
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • Aetna

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 Clear Vision Family Eyecare today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
4.9
232 Reviews
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- Nov. 14, 2023
I have some very specific needs because of how I wear my glasses. Dr. Lacina took time to listen to ... my past problems and did what I felt was a very thorough job to address my concerns. I recommend him.
- Oct. 06, 2023
Clearvision is a great! The front staff are always friendly and Dr Woodring is knowledgeable, thorou... gh and personable. I would highly recommend this practice.
- Sep. 29, 2023
Very friendly from the staff to the Doctor. They were extremely thorough with no pressure. I would h... ighly recommend them.
- Aug. 30, 2023
Great experience, knowledgeable and helpful staff
- Aug. 29, 2023
Excellent customer service, courteous and helpful staff. Clean facility and convenient scheduling!
- Aug. 25, 2023
I have be going to Clear Vision for years. Have always found the doctors and staff to be very profe... ssional, caring and willing to go above and beyond to meet your eye care needs. Highly recommend!
- Aug. 18, 2023
I have been coming to Clear Vision for a few years now and I would definitely recommend them. I have... personally seen both Dr. Houghton and Dr. Lacina for routine eye care and post surgery eye care and have had a great experience. I feel very comfortable there and I feel like they always answer my questions and provide a high level of care. They are very thorough and patient. The staff is also very friendly and when I wore glasses were very helpful in find the right frames!
- Aug. 05, 2023
Wonderful practice - so accommodating and kind when I needed to be seen for an urgent issue. Very th... orough and professional. Highly recommend!!
- May. 26, 2023
Always a great experience when I have my appointments. Jay is awesome at picking out the right fram... e for you!!
- May. 06, 2023
Very thorough and good eye care.
- Apr. 26, 2023
Dr Lucina puts myself and my teenagers at ease. He is patient and never rushes you. That is critic... al when having difficulty selecting the Rx for you. Also, Jay is phenomenal in the optical department. I haven't known him long (just the last appointment) and he saw me on the schedule and had frames selected for me when I entered the office! It saved me time and he gave me perfect selection with his recommendation, which I selected.
- Apr. 21, 2023
The staff was friendly and attentive. My glasses are great!
- Apr. 14, 2023
Clear Vision is quick, efficient and easy to work with!
- Apr. 10, 2023
Pam is Great! Always willing to explain everything. I highly recommend her!
- Apr. 02, 2023
The entire staff is incredibly friendly. They helped me find glasses that look great on me. Dr Woodr... ing is FANTASTIC. She listens to my concerns and is very knowledgeable.
- Mar. 30, 2023
This place has been my eye clinic for years now. I trust them and I've always received great care. ... No long wait times either.
- Mar. 15, 2023
Swift and efficient service; clear communication; answered my questions.
- Mar. 04, 2023
Dr Woodring is a very patient person and listens to your concerns and makes a thoughtful decision wi... th the care she provides.
- Feb. 23, 2023
Best Eye Clinic i've ever been a patient of.
- Feb. 01, 2023
Amazing people and great eye care!

View All 232 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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