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 Consultants today. We can diagnose and help treat the disease.


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Centennial

Our optometry practice in Centennial

Photograph of Vasi Alevras-Sztukowski
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Medicare
  • Spectera
  • United Healthcare
  • VSP

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

Patient Reviews
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633 Reviews
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- Mar. 26, 2024
Eye Care Consultants have a friendly and competent staff. I was treated with care and their concern ... for my eye condition was apparent. I highly recommend Eye Care Consultants!
- Mar. 24, 2024
EyeCare Consultants provide a complete service from eye health to glasses. All employees are helpful... and pleasant to work with.
- Mar. 20, 2024
Went for our regular check up. Staff is friendly and courteous. Dr.Alevras gives you good time and d... iscuss your condition and explain next action plans and care needed. Have been with them from past 7+ years and highly recommend them.
- Mar. 06, 2024
Very happy with my eye exam and contact lense suggestion.
- Feb. 23, 2024
Dr. Barley was amazing! Best experience I’ve had at an eye doctor!
- Feb. 14, 2024
Dr. Lipscomb and staff were so kind and nice to me. Dr. Lipscomb thoroughly explained things to me a... nd made me feel very comfortable! I am very excited this is my primary eye care doctor place now!
- Jan. 27, 2024
Very competent, optometrist and staff and very thorough eye exam.
- Jan. 09, 2024
Great staff, quality care.
- Jan. 03, 2024
Excellent service!
- Dec. 30, 2023
Had an acute eye injury - the staff got me right in and Dr. Lipscomb was very thorough and kind. Hap... py to recommend this group to anyone needing a great optometrist.
- Dec. 24, 2023
Would recommend Dr. Lipscomb and the staff at EyeCare Consultants to everyone.
- Dec. 20, 2023
Dr. Barkey was wonderful to work with and really listened to me-thank you!
- Dec. 17, 2023
The staff were all professional, friendly and kind ! Dr. Lipscomb was great and he listened patientl... y and answered all our concerns . Overall great experience the visit, choosing eyewear and receiving it all went really well , thank you !
- Dec. 09, 2023
Stellar service, beautiful frames
- Dec. 04, 2023
The entire staff was friendly, welcoming, and professional!!! I highly recommend them to everyone!
- Dec. 01, 2023
Wonderful customer service from the minute you walk through the door to when you leave.
- Nov. 29, 2023
Staff was kind, knowledgeable, and efficient. Dr. Barkey was intelligent and easy to trust. Can’t ... recommend highly enough.
- Nov. 08, 2023
Dr.Barkey was so informative and kind. She made sure I felt comfortable by walking me through each s... tep of the exam. She double checked my contact lenses to ensure comfort. Couldn’t recommend her enough!
- Oct. 14, 2023
Great attitude and service by all staff
- Oct. 10, 2023
Friendly service that was professional. All questions answered thoroughly during and after exam. App... ointment was ontime and excellent.

View All 633 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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