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 El Paso EyeCare today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

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. 23 Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

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

Patient Reviews
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794 Reviews
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- Sep. 19, 2023
awesome experience in getting great vision care.
- Aug. 17, 2023
Great service, team work from start to finish
- Aug. 10, 2023
The entire staff is extremely nice, extremely patient and professional. They made the process extrem... ely easy! The office is very modern and clean!
- Jul. 28, 2023
Great eye, doctor and great and friendly people. 👍
- Jul. 25, 2023
They attended to me quickly and helped me. Great place and a variety of glasses
- Jul. 22, 2023
Staff very friendly, short wait time, Dr. Des was great, he was able to find a solution for me with ... an on going problem I’ve had with my eye. Would definitely recommend El Paso Eye Care.
- Jun. 13, 2023
Great service, environment and patient care over all from front desk to provider.
- May. 28, 2023
I would like to thank Danny Practice Manager and staff. For assisting me with adjusting my eyeglasse... s. I was in desperate need to fix my eyeglasses, I searched recommended places near by on google to fix eyeglasses. El Paso Eyecare was at the top of the list. The practice was beautiful and clean, front desk as soon as I walked in I was greeted , they made me feel welcomed. Eyeglass repair took minutes and at no charge. Thank you Danny and El Paso Eyecare staff. I highly recommend this practice! 5 star service.
- May. 16, 2023
Great staff. Great service. They go above and beyond for patients.
- Mar. 30, 2023
Staff and doctor were amazing and helpful. I would definitely recommend coming to this office.
- Mar. 23, 2023
Very professional. The staff was very helpful, specially Julia, she was gentle and amiable.
- Mar. 20, 2023
I was cared of in Evelyn detail. Congrats
- Mar. 15, 2023
This Guys Rock, Hands Down. Had Gone To Another Place And The Prescription Was Way Off.. This Guys N... ailed It. Highly Recommend 5*
- Mar. 06, 2023
Great staff and awesome doctors. When getting glasses and contracts. Ask for Reina. She will take ca... re of you. And Dr. Jackson will explain everything so you understand your Eye Care needs. Thank you for taking care of me
- Feb. 19, 2023
Dr. Jackson was very friendly, smiled a lot and provided clear explanation of my condition. The staf... f was very friendly and helpful with signing in and repairing my eye glasses. Wonderful service from them all!!
- Jan. 20, 2023
Friendly fast service.
- Jan. 18, 2023
Even when they can't help you they go the extra mile to help you. A great big thank you to Danny for... helping me help my mom find a place to get her eyes checked. With all the new changes at the beginning of the year it is frustrating for older people who have been going to the same place for years and Danny stepped up to the plate to help out and made sure we could get help. Thank you Danny!!!
- Jan. 13, 2023
Excellent service and very friendly
- Dec. 30, 2022
Wonderful experience all the way around. Friendly manager and staff, excellent customer service, lar... ge selection of glasses, clean interior and exterior. I look forward to wearing my glasses and would recommend this eye care center to anyone. Keep up the great work. 🙂
- Dec. 23, 2022
I have been going here for several years now. I love the personal attention that the doctors give yo... u and the attention to detail that the staff provides in everything they do.

View All 794 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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