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 20/20 Image Eye Center - Fountain Hills today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

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
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross

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

Patient Reviews
4.9
441 Reviews
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- Nov. 28, 2023
Nice and Friendly... service above average!
- Nov. 15, 2023
Brian Lisi, Licensed Dispensing Optician, is excellent at his craft!! His skill at adjusting glasses... is truly incredible. Brian is very kind and professional. He's a real asset! I give Brian 20 stars at 20/20.👍🏼
- Nov. 06, 2023
Thank you 20/20. In town and fast.
- Nov. 02, 2023
very helpful and friendly
- Oct. 16, 2023
Excellent! We are very fortunate to have them right here in Fountain Hills. My family and I would ... not go anywhere else!
- Oct. 14, 2023
Brian at Fountain Hills is awesome!
- Sep. 28, 2023
Great experience all around.
- Sep. 21, 2023
Great experience!
- Sep. 01, 2023
Tara is the best! Very helpful. Love my new glasses
- Aug. 04, 2023
The staff at the Fountain Hills location are wonderful!! Anna went above and beyond to help me with ... an issue with previous clinic in Scottsdale. The doctor was very thorough and friendly as well. I would definitely recommend this location for your eye care needs.
- Jul. 23, 2023
Great Dr. Great support staff. Highly recommend.
- Jul. 22, 2023
Dr. Peterson and Tara were so kind and attentive. Really a great place and a even nicer staff.
- Jul. 08, 2023
Top-notch service from Dr. Peterson and the staff.
- Jun. 08, 2023
Staff was very kind and helpful. Helped me feel welcomed and answered all my questions
- Jun. 01, 2023
They went above and beyond to order toric contact lenses to fit my needs. Great staff very caring!
- May. 07, 2023
My previous attempt to have my vision corrected at another company was unsuccessful. However my expe... rience with Dr. Peterson and the staff at 20/20 Image Eye Center was completely different. Both the doctor's assistant and Dr. Peterson listened to my specific vision issues and needs and the doctor knew immediately what he thought the best solution would be. He was correct and I am very grateful that I'm no longer struggling with poor vision. I'm very happy with the service and will definitely recommend this company to friends and family.
- Apr. 20, 2023
Great experience and customer service.
- Apr. 17, 2023
The staff is very friendly and helpful. Really feels like they care about each customer individually...
- Apr. 03, 2023
Visiting from Canada and was so happy to find 20/20 Image Eye Center in Fountain Hills. The staff is... knowledgeable, kind and very quick. I would absolutely recommend them for anyone visiting and in need of eye care while here or anyone the lives here.
- Mar. 31, 2023
From exam to choosing glasses the staff was outstanding. Minor glass frame adjustments were perform... ed quickly and staff took the time to make sure they were to my liking.

View All 441 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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