senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(915) 751-7760

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 El Paso EyeCare 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 El Paso EyeCare 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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- Nov. 12, 2024
First time here, great experience, from front desk, to techs to Dr. Dez! Highly recommend! Super fri... endly, approachable and knowledgeable.
- Nov. 08, 2024
It was fast the place was clean and staff were attentive and quick
- Oct. 13, 2024
Nice clean location. Fast in and out service.
- Oct. 11, 2024
Dr. Dipak Patel is excellent, he really knows about my problem and helped me to understand better wh... at needs to be done.
- Sep. 16, 2024
Nice place and clean. staff really friendly and great fast service
- Sep. 15, 2024
Very friendly and professional!
- Sep. 09, 2024
Great customer service
- Aug. 21, 2024
I always have a good doctor visit when I go to El Paso EyeCare and I’ve been going there for years... now. A nice office with nice people! Danny helped me complete my visit and helped me get a great frame for a great price! Thanks Danny!
- Aug. 21, 2024
El paso eyecare was excellent they met all my eyecare needs.
- Aug. 19, 2024
It was a good experience I had an eye exam that was very thorough. The staff was friendly and atten... tive.
- Aug. 14, 2024
Great staff! Very friendly, they answered all my questions and helped me to get the best price for m... y glasses.
- Aug. 13, 2024
Did the appointment online , they had availability the next day which was super convenient, I was ab... le to get my exam done with my daughters and they waited for me to be done so I can be in the room with the doctor as he did my daughters exam , super convenient. Fast friendly and clean office. I love the selection of brands they carry and my daughter and I love our new frames !
- Aug. 06, 2024
Staff and overall experience was amazing at El Paso Eye Care! Dr Mbidoaka is knowledgeable and kind.... Purchasing my frames from here was a breeze and I love my new frames!
- Jul. 24, 2024
First time coming to El Paso Eye care after an insurance change. The staff is super friendly and Da... nny provided great service with assisting me in finding the perfect pair of glasses. Highly recommend this place.
- Jul. 24, 2024
Dr. Des takes his time, answers all questions, staff is friendly and helpful.
- Jul. 24, 2024
If you’re looking for a clean facility with expert staff and exclusive designer brand classes, you... need to differently go to El Paso Eyecare in the northeast😍
- Jul. 21, 2024
Very clean facility, had no wait time, very nice Dr.s and great location.
- Jul. 21, 2024
Went to a previous clinic & I had a horrible experience. I had a consultation with Dr. Mbidoaka and ... he helped me SO much! This place is great!
- Jul. 13, 2024
Like always a great experience every time I come to this place. Danny made my day! A really friendly... environment.
- Jun. 23, 2024
Excellent customer service and very good exam.

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Macular Degeneration Treatment in Angel's Triangle

Our optometry practice in Angel's Triangle

Photograph of Destiny  Mbidoaka
Hours
  • Monday Closed
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
  • Nov. 28 Closed
  • Nov. 29 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(915) 751-7760