senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(480) 816-0102

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 20/20 Image Eye Center - Fountain Hills 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 20/20 Image Eye Center - Fountain Hills 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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517 Reviews
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- Sep. 20, 2024
Great customer service
- Aug. 16, 2024
A warm professional environment each time I visit.
- Jul. 10, 2024
Pleasant staff and great service. Will go back next year!
- Jun. 13, 2024
Thay are awesome! Highly recommend this vision center!!!
- Jun. 12, 2024
The staff here are amazing!
- Jun. 09, 2024
Very friendly and helpful staff. Nice clean environment. Dr. Peterson has been there for years and i... s great. They are the only vision center in Fountain Hills that accepts Avesis eye insurance.
- May. 23, 2024
Dr. Peterson was very friendly and professional. His staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful. ... I highly recommend their services.
- May. 22, 2024
Dr Peterson is wonderful and the staff is very friendly and helpful, but make sure you go in with yo... ur own questions and concerns and be certain to bring them up. You need to be your own advocate as they don't really know you. Same with any medical appointment as well.
- Apr. 12, 2024
Super front office staff! I was able get an appointment in 2 days for my eye issue! Dr Neadeau was t... horough, answered my questions and gave me an eye drop prescription that gave me immediate relief! Thank you!!
- Apr. 12, 2024
I was very impressed by everyone from the appointment scheduler to the Doctor. Everyone was very fo... cused on me the patient.
- Mar. 25, 2024
Friendly and professional staff!
- Mar. 11, 2024
Great service, love my new glasses.
- Mar. 02, 2024
Excellent experience. Doctor and staff were pleasant, thorough and patent centered.
- Feb. 24, 2024
Very happy with my first visit here. I was treated efficiently and also like a long term patient.
- Feb. 11, 2024
Before purchasing my new glasses, Brian took the time to recommend the best ones for me. He showed m... e the differences and advantages among various types of lenses. Since I used them for the first time, I felt comfortable!
- Feb. 10, 2024
The doctor and everyone else in the office are nothing but pleasant and knowledgeable
- Feb. 05, 2024
Everyone was wonderful! Highly recommend!
- Feb. 01, 2024
Great service and staff!
- Jan. 28, 2024
Great customer service and friendly staff. Definitely recommend Dr. Peterson and staff.
- Jan. 27, 2024
Great place for eye exams and glasses!

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Fountain Hills

Our optometry practice in Fountain Hills

Photograph of John  Peterson
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(480) 816-0102