senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(419) 517-7106

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 Cherry Vision Center 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 Cherry Vision Center 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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204 Reviews
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- Oct. 10, 2024
I really love the care I received at Cherry Vision. Every experience is a positive one.
- Aug. 24, 2024
Doctors and staff were very knowledgeable and thorough with everything they did. This was a follow ... up visit after cataract surgery in both eyes that went very well.
- Aug. 13, 2024
I love Cherry Vision and have been going since high school. The staff is friendly and awesome and th... e doctors listen.
- Jun. 23, 2024
Cheery Vision is the place to go for eye care. Quality glasses at a reasonable price. Fantastic help... picking out glasses and eye exam was also top quality. I see better without a lot of hazy rings than I ever have. I highly recommend Cherry Vision.
- Jun. 11, 2024
I’ve been going to cherry vision for 20 years. The doctor is caring and knowledgeable. He recogni... zed that I had early on set cataracts and acted right away to find a specialist to solve my problem. They also have a high variety of frames that are available to choose from.
- Jun. 01, 2024
I can describe my experience in one word “excellent” 😄
- May. 31, 2024
Dr. Cherry is a great provider, he listens to all questions/concerns I had and took the time with me... which I appreciated. The staff were all great there as well. I loved the online booking feature as well as the reminder texts. Cherry Vision is a great place to consider if you are looking for a kind, courteous, and professional eye center.
- May. 25, 2024
Shop local so my motto, great staff
- May. 17, 2024
Good service . Easy to book.
- May. 17, 2024
They are very passionate and caring. Very professional. If they can't take care of your issues th... ey will send you where they can.
- May. 15, 2024
I found Dr. Cherry and the staff at Cherry Vision Center professional, accommodating, and pleasant. ... I had a great experience. I really liked Dr. Cherry, and the eyewear technician Anna was a joy. They have a large selection of good, better, and best frames. My cost of eyewear was a lot less than I spent at other providers.
- May. 02, 2024
An excellent place to go to the doctor's great the people there that work for them are terrific ever... ything is just fantastic you'll love it
- Apr. 10, 2024
Awesome!!!!!!
- Mar. 13, 2024
Happy with my Progressive lenses! Thank you!
- Mar. 13, 2024
I have been going to Cherry Vision since I was a child, and so far I have always had an excellent ex... perience every single time. Friendly and helpful staff, knowledgeable and kind optometrists, as well as stellar contact/glasses services and prices. I would recommend them to anybody!
- Mar. 13, 2024
The staff are very friendly and funny. I won’t go anywhere else!
- Feb. 26, 2024
Always great help and service with getting my glasses, a super friendly staff.
- Feb. 19, 2024
Great place to go
- Jan. 26, 2024
Very nice and helpful staff love this place
- Jan. 21, 2024
Fantastic

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Sylvania

Our optometry practice in Sylvania

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Hours
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senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(419) 517-7106