senior woman with AMD

Macular Degeneration

Know your risks and preserve your vision

(303) 771-4221

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 Consultants 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 EyeCare Consultants 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
4.8
697 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Nov. 20, 2024
Great staff and amazing service.
- Nov. 06, 2024
Dr Vasi is the best
- Sep. 25, 2024
Excellent service!
- Sep. 11, 2024
My wife went to this office on 9/10 due to a minor eye injury and Dr. Barkey and her staff did a won... derful job not only reassuring and calming my wife, but with the actual handling of the injury. Everyone here seems compassionate and competent. My wife told me she will be coming here from here on out for her eye exams.
- Sep. 04, 2024
They made it very easy to schedule and adjust my appointment. All of the staff were very friendly an... d efficient.
- Aug. 15, 2024
Katlyn Barkey was wonderful! She took the time to explain everything. I left feeling that my eye-h... ealth was in good hands. Thank you Dr. Barkey
- Aug. 06, 2024
Friendly staff and was seen right away.
- Aug. 01, 2024
Awesome staff. Excellent customer service and a feeling of welcome. This was our first visit and I... am grateful I picked them!
- Jul. 27, 2024
Five star service once again. No problem with recommending this facility.
- Jul. 21, 2024
Everyone one the staff there is extremely friendly, kind and helpful except the woman who helps you ... get your glasses. She did not want to help me because my insurance didn't cover my glasses and she would have had to wait til I got paid on the first. So she went into her office and got on the phone. Did not offer to help me pick any out to try on or anything. Everything could have been taken care of and then held til the first when I got paid and I like nice glasses like MK, those were my last pair that broke a year ago so she lost out on a big sale.
- Jun. 28, 2024
Always a great experience. Helpful and friendly staff. Very clean office.
- Jun. 23, 2024
The doctor provided me with information I needed to understand my vision issues
- Jun. 17, 2024
Returning patient… have always received great care from this practice!
- Jun. 14, 2024
Been coming here 15+ years and they have been excellent every time.
- Jun. 07, 2024
I've been going to Eye Care Consultants for over 25 yrs seeing Dr Alevras. Everyone is efficient, k... nowledgeable and friendly. I could not come up with one negative comment after all these years...it's a gem!
- May. 21, 2024
The staff is very kind and professional. You can easily get appointments and once there, the wait is... minimum. The office uses new equipment for eye scans etc. The doctors are thorough and knowledgeable and you don’t feel rushed. Excellent service!
- May. 19, 2024
The doctor was awesome. He really explained everything to me rather than just treating me as a cust... omer. Thank you!
- May. 10, 2024
Great service!
- May. 10, 2024
Excellent customer service! Dr Markey is awesome
- Apr. 25, 2024
Great staff, great doctors and a great eyewear selection.

View All 697 Reviews

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Centennial

Our optometry practice in Centennial

Photograph of Katlyn  Barkey
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
  • Nov. 28 Closed
  • Nov. 29 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Medicare
  • Spectera
  • United Healthcare
  • VSP

senior couple with AMD wearing glasses

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

(303) 771-4221