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 EyeCare Specialties of Colorado - Pioneer Hills today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment

Our optometry practice in Aurora

Photograph of Sharnelle Kamibayashi
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Medicare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • 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 and 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 EyeCare Specialties of Colorado - Pioneer Hills today. 

Photograph

Patient Reviews
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339 Reviews
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- Mar. 18, 2023
Pleasant staff and atmosphere. At every appointment, Dr. K. and staff provided professional and atte... ntive service.
- Feb. 14, 2023
Friendly staff, very clean , they don't rush you when picking out frames. They answer all questions....
- Feb. 12, 2023
Dr. VanDan, his assistant and Mark were all so helpful and kind. it was calm, not rushed and I felt ... like I got honest care. Thank you
- Feb. 04, 2023
My experience was very delightful. Staff is professional and very helpful and kind. They also have a... wide selection of designer eyewear to choose from.
- Dec. 21, 2022
Amazing staff, and amazing doctors. The person who go helped me pick out my frames was knowledgeable... and informative. The only thing I can say is off is the delivery time of frames and lenses. Other than that, A+ experience!
- Dec. 20, 2022
Great service and very friendly!
- Dec. 12, 2022
Lovely, welcoming staff. Run on time and efficiently. The doctors are very friendly and knowledgeabl... e. Definitely recommend!
- Nov. 18, 2022
Almost can't wait to go back!!! Lol
- Nov. 16, 2022
The doctors and staffs are very nice and welcoming.
- Nov. 14, 2022
Such a great office! I really appreciate Dr. Kruglet and his attention to detail. He was so helpful ... and compassionate. Highly recommend EyeCare Specialties of CO!
- Nov. 03, 2022
Friendly customer service, great doctors, Overall clean and organize please.
- Oct. 29, 2022
The whole experience was great! From exam to contacts and glasses. Great job!
- Oct. 23, 2022
Although some of the staff was not as friendly and I detected a hint of attitude, the Doctor, Danny ... VanDan, was very friendly and informative. He explained everything in detailed and didn't mind a little bit of knowledge I brought to the conversation. Experience with Dr. VanDan was one of the best experience I've had with an eye Dr. Thank you.
- Oct. 14, 2022
They went above and beyond at every step of the process, and will be where I go to in the future!
- Oct. 09, 2022
A wonderful experience all around!!!
- Oct. 08, 2022
Very friendly staff and great doctor!
- Oct. 05, 2022
Lovely staff, clean office, lovely doctor. I will always go there for as long as I’m in Colorado. ... 🙂
- Aug. 15, 2022
Everyone is very nice and the Doctor Is awesome as well! Great experience.
- Aug. 11, 2022
I was completely satisfied with Dr. VanDan and the entire staff.
- Aug. 07, 2022
Always professional, knowledgeable and friendly. Have been a customer for years and never had a bad ... experience.

View All 339 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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